Samuel Blais profile picture

Samuel Blais

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About Me

Started playing the saxophone at age 10. Studied classical music until 18 years old at the Montreal Conservatory of Music. While studying classical music, won several first and second place awards in a few regional, provincial and national music competitions(A.R.A.M, Festival des harmonies du Québec, Joliette Competition, Canada Music Competition, etc). Won first place in a provincial competition 2 years in a row, as a soloist and with his saxophone quartet. Later switched to jazz at McGill University for a bachelor's degree in jazz performance. While attending McGill studied with Janis Steprans, André Leroux, Rémi Bolduc, Frank Lozano and Jan Jarczyk. Performed with Phil Woods, Greg Osby, Dave Douglas, Pat LaBarbera, The Joe Sullivan Big Band, with Yoel Diaz opening for Arturo Sandoval and Eddi Palmieri. Performed in France, Belgium, Mexico, China, Canada and the United States. Played with the CJAD Big-Band at the Montreal Jazz festival and the Ottawa Jazz Festival, was awarded the Honour Medal for the most outstanding musician at the MusicFest Canada, was also selected to be part of the National Youth All-Star Jazz Ensemble and the Yamaha All Star Band. Was lead alto of the McGill Jazz Orchestra for 4 years in a row and was awarded a scholarship from McGill University. Participated in many events at the annual IAJE, as an invited group and also for the Banff Centre for the Arts as an invited group and clinician for the Rocky Mountain Festival. Was also part of the Banff International Jazz and Creative Music Workshop. Worked with the likes of Greg Osby, Dave Douglas, Vijay Iyer, Mark Dresser, etc. Member of the Nota Bene Saxophone Quartet, created more than 15 new pieces from canadian composers and was broadcasted more than 5 times on Radio-Canada since its formation. The group was also broadcasted in Belgium while on tour on the RTBF (Radio Télévision Belge de langue Française and also has a cd coming out for the fall 2007. Also part of another saxophone quartet with Janis Steprans, André Leroux and Jean Fréchette, the group will be recording its first cd in august 2007. Just finished recording an album with the Samuel Blais Quartet, the cd will come out in the next 2 months featuring Morgan Moore(bs), Paul Shrofel(pn), Robbie Kuster(dr). Was awarded a scholarship from Manhattan School of Music for the masters program, as well as a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, and a J.B.C.-Watkins award.
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 12/4/2006
Band Members: Sam Blais-saxes, Morgan Moore-bass, Paul Shrofel-Piano, Robbie Kuster-drums.
Sounds Like: Hopefully myself
Record Label: Effendi
Type of Label: Major