Mike Gauthier

Michael Gauthier's soulful approach to the jazz guitar follows Aaron Copland's philosophy: «Music should be as simple as possible.......... but no simpler.» A self-taught improviser, Gauthier's prowess as a performer has placed him on stage with numerous internationally known jazz stars. His playing style evokes the human voice and is influenced by guitarists Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, and Robert Johnson, and singers Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix. His compositions incorporate dancing rhythms, lyrical conversations and a touch of blues. A favorite on the club and festival scene, he can be heard regulary on both local and national radio broadcasts. Mike teaches jazz at l'Université de Montréal, McGill, Bishop's, and l'Université de Sherbrooke and has also been a jury member for the Alcan Canadian Jazz Competition and le Ministère des Affaires Culturels du Québec.Past Concerts and Festivals •Festival Baie Jazz & Blues- Shédiac, N.B •Beaches International Jazz Festival-Toronto •W.C. Handy Festival-Alabama •Toronto Downton Jazz Festival •Vancouver International Jazz Festival •Victoria International Jazz Festival •Ottawa International Jazz Festival •Pace des Arts-Montréal •Festival International de Jazz de Montréal •Festival de Jazz de Baie-Comeau •Festival Nuits Black de Québec •Festival de Jazz de Gaspé •Festi-Jazz de Rimouski •Barrie Ontario Jazz Fest. Performances with: •Dizzy Reece •Frank Wess •Bill Hardman •J.R. Montrose •Marvin "Smitty" Smith •Steve Grossman •Charles Davis •Ray Drummond •Curtis Fuller •Junior Cook •John Hicks •Jimmy Heath •Archie Shepp •Barry Harris •Big John Patton •Fraser MacPherson •Clifford Jordan •Pat Labarbera •Mundell Lowe •Oliver Jones •Cecil Payne •Don Thompson •Don Alias ....to name a few.