Les Sabler

Guitarist and composer Les Sabler has been a Florida resident since 1978. Most of his years Florida were spent in Sarasota and he has lived in Tampa since 2000. Les is a native of Montreal, Canada and graduated as a Jazz major from Concordia University. He also worked as music director of the college radio station and spent many nights at "The Esquire Show Bar" and "In Concert" listening to and studying performances by many Jazz and Blues legends. Les moved to Florida to enroll in graduate studies at the University of Miami Jazz Department and while living there he performed and toured with a variety of Jazz, Latin and R&B bands which laid an important foundation for his composing and guitar style. Les points to Larry Carlton, George Benson, Lee Ritenour and Wes Montgomery as influences but his music also draws from a variety of other influences outside the guitar realm.

In 1989 he composed and produced an original soundtrack for the Canadian Television Network documentary "Lost Treasures of the Titanic", which chronicled the discovery of the sunken ship and retrieval of its artifacts. The documentary has been broadcast numerous times since its initial release. In 1990 he released his debut CD "Hidden Treasure" which brought Les significant national attention on Contemporary Jazz and NAC radio formats. Les' second CD "Time For Love" was released in 1995 on Miami based Vision Records and received considerable national airplay on Smooth Jazz radio. He has maintained an active performance itinerary with his group both as a headliner and as opening act for numerous touring acts including Spyro Gyra, Jeff Lorber, Michael Lington, Diane Schurr, Richard Elliot, Fattburger and many others. Les was selected by Walt Disney World to perform with his group at the opening of Pleasure Island Jazz Company and performed return engagements throughout the 1990’s. His group has enjoyed contributions from a variety of very talented musicians including band members of Richard Elliot, The Allman Brothers Band, Greg Allman Band, Dickey Betts, Marshall Tucker Band, Nat Adderly, Acoustic Alchemy, Ahmad Jamal and others.

Les' 2003 release entitled "Bridge The Gap" (Music Force/Sin-Drome) was co-produced by Les and Allon Sams and several tracks received substantial radio attention including the first single release, an instrumental arrangement of the Earth Wind and Fire classic, "Reasons". The track was on top 20 rotation at WJZZ / Philadelphia and WJST / Tampa for most of 2003 and continues to receive substantial play in many markets. On Canadian Smooth Jazz radio Les’ composition and title track “Bridge The Gap” was the 1 Canadian and 8 overall for the year in 2003. Four selections from the CD have been in rotation on Music Choice (DirecTV/cable) including "Midnight Reflections" which reached 1 on their chart.

In 2005 Les received nominations for Best Guitarist and Best Album at the inaugural Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Recent notable appearances include the 2005 and 2006 Clearwater Jazz Holiday, opening for Spyro Gyra at Lakewood Ranch, FL, opening for Michael Lington in Orlando, FL, 2006 and 2007 NAMM Shows in Anaheim, CA, 2007 WSJT Smooth Jazz Festival in Clearwater and numerous televised National Anthem performances for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Les’ new CD “Sweet Drive” was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Brian Bromberg featuring an all-star cast including performances by Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Gary Meek, Ricky Peterson, Vinnie Colaiuta, Alex Acuna, Jerry Hey and others. Early radio play has been very active and reviews have been favorable. Les has been nominated for Guitarist Of The Year and Album Of The Year and is scheduled to perform at the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.

Press Quotes about Les Sabler:

“quite simply as fine an example of great smooth jazz as you will hear anywhere” “features his own picture perfect playing” • Dennis Poole / www.smoothvibes.com (2007 review of Sweet Drive)

“stellar production and mesmerizing guitar work” • Paul Ericson / www.smoothjazznow.com

“Powerful songs, master talents and great interplay make this album a ‘must have.” “mega-talented guitarist” • Nina Goodrich / www.jazzreview.com (2007 review of Sweet Drive)

“Bridge The Gap positively glows” “there’s something quite original about Sabler’s elegant approach to instrumental guitar jazz” • Robert Silverstein / 20th Century Guitar Magazine

"Les Sabler, an up and coming jazz artist, is no doubt on his way to becoming one of jazz's greats." • Orlando Leisure

“a trove of fusionistic gems in “Hidden Treasure”” “a talented up and comer” • Chuck Berg / Jazz Times

“as guitarist Les Sabler and his band played spirited contemporary jazz, ….. it became one of those Florida postcard moments” • Eric Snider / St. Petersburg Times

“Sabler’s playing is dynamic like John Scofield’s, melodic like George Benson’s and compelling like Jeff Beck’s. But Sabler’s sound is not just a conglomeration of his influences, his playing is clearly and refreshingly his own.” • Phil Matlock / MAC

“extraordinary writing and playing talents” “Les Sabler is one of the best guitarists to ever come out of Florida.” • Steve Huntington / WLOQ

“a tremendous guitar/bass blend, over a letter-perfect background.” • Robert Spencer / allaboutjazz.com

“an honest effort from an outstanding smooth jazz guitarist.” • Peter Bohi /Smoothvibes.com

“a first class contemporary jazz artist.” • Ron Severini / Walt Disney World Co.

“Les’ jazz guitar work is incredible.” • Troy Vanliere / CCM

“a bright young talent with an old pro’s touch.” “exquisite jazz-pop offering.” “an extremely promising artist with a shimmering guitar style that is sleek, chic and sexy.” • Steve Persall / Players Magazine

“an example of what a musician can accomplish with self-confidence, persistence and talent.” • Jay Kirschemann / Bradenton Herald