Composer and pianist François Bourassa leads one of Canada’s most active recording and touring jazz ensembles which will soon celebrate its 25th birthday.A trio in 1998, François, Guy Boisvert (on bass) and Greg Ritchie (on drums) were joined by the celebrated saxophone player André Leroux. West African percussionist Aboulaye Koné joined the group on the last album,thus bringing a “world” flavour to François’ compositions.

Flutist, pianist and composer François Richard received an excellent musical education. At 10, he was already taking private lessons from the great classical flute master Jean-Pierre Rampal, as well as Gail Grimstead, Rampal’s student from the Conservatoire de Paris. In 1970, he studied flute with professor Jean-Paul Major, and piano at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal.