Over a career spanning more than 25 years, saxophonist André Larue has directed numerous ensembles, such as the Crocodiles, Organic Jazz and the André Larue Quintet with whom he won the Oliver Jones Prize in 1995. He has also been part of several groups in Switzerland and Quebec, associations through which he appeared at many internationally reputed festivals and venues.
Strongly influenced by the hard bop trend of the 50s and 60s (Horace Silver, Jazz Messengers, etc.), André favors simple but lively composition, original pieces that captivate even upon first hearing.
Vincent Gagnon and André Larue played together for the first time in 2002. Larue invited Gagnon to join his sextet for their concert Silence, on Jazz! at Radio-Canada. Since that time, Larue and Gagnon have shared their taste for improvisation, imbuing their swing-accented music with infectious enthusiasm.
André Larue’s first album, Larue du jazz (Effendi Records), came out in 2007.
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