JACQUES LABELLE • GUITAR
Who would have thought that in a Summer day of 1979, a Québec evening of jazz would become, along the years, such a prestigious world event: The Montreal International Jazz Festival. That evening, Jacques Labelle was making his début on stage as a "jazzman". Afterwards, he was invited several times to participate in his name as well as "sideman".

At the very beginning, Jacques Labelle studied with the colourful drummer Guy Nadon later on with the master double bass player Michel Donato. He has played several years with the latter in duo, and in trio with drummer Jim Hillman "The Merlin Factor".

Among other musicians with whom he has collaborated, let's mention Lorraine Desmarais (pianist), Bernard Primeau (drummer), Paolos Ramos (guitarist, Brazilian singer) and many more that are listed in the Guilde des Musiciens.

Among his mentors are Montreal guitarist Nelson Symonds and New York guitarist Pat Martino who was famous on the international jazz world of the 70s and 80s. Not to be forgotten, Jim Hall, guitarist, school of minimalism.

Jacques Labelle played several years with L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal under Charles Dutoit and Erich Kunzel (musical director of the National Symphonic Orchestra, well known in the POPS world). Also, he had the opportunity, as a free lance, to work under well known Walter Boudreau at La Société de Musique Contemporaine du Québec. He also worked in commercial domain such as jingles, shows, television, film music, etc. Knowing the ropes, Jacques Labelle proved to be a most versatile accompanist!

With his first CD, produced and directed by his own company: Productions Maverick, Jacques Labelle introduces some pieces interpreted in quartet and duo (guitar and double bass) with Guy Boisvert, double bass player, Eric Harding, pianist and Kevin Coady, drummer. This production was achieved by a long time friend, Alain de Grosbois, producer at Radio-Canada.

Up to this day
Following the launching of his CD, Jacques has played at Festival de Jazz de Montréal for the series Jazz d'ici with some appearances in Boston and Houston in Texas. Besides teaching jazz guitar he is also in charge of the Département des Études Jazz at CEGEP Collège Vanier in Ville St-Laurent. In 2002, he renewed acquaintances with his former guitar teacher, legendary Nelson Symonds, and together they formed a resounding duo and gave a concert at Lion d'Or for the Off Festival de Jazz de Montréal.

This year, one of his compositions, Josia's Waltz, was selected for television series Trudeau broadcasted on CBC network, Radio Canada and RDI.

In summer 2003 he joined flutist François Richard in a duet formation, which is, a real tour de force with only one acoustic guitar and a transverse flute. He also plays in Quartet.

They are planning to record a CD together… to be followed.

In October 2003, he records a radio program for Radio Canada, CBC Jazz Beat. The theme of the program is in homage of great guitarist Jim Hall. His trio includes Guy Boisvert, double bass player and Davis Laing, drummer.

Future plan, a second CD and other jazz concerts!