Alto saxophonist and improviser François Carrier is definitely going his own way. Carrier singular vision has led him to maintain a wide recorded presence all over the world. His rich, deep playing that blends lyricism with boldness and a sense of surpassing one’s self has earned him a place in the Annual International Critic’s Poll of El Intruso of El Intruso 2018, El Intruso 2017 as well as El Intruso 2015 and in the DownBeat’s 2013 Best Alto Sax Players List.
In 2001 he won a Juno Award in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category for his third album Compassion (Naxos Jazz).
To date, François combines an impressive discography of over 35 internationally acclaimed albums with legendary musicians such as Paul Bley, Gary Peacock, Bobo Stenson, Tomasz Stanko, Uri Caine, Jason Moran, Dewey Redman, Mat Maneri, Sonny Greenwich, Jean-Jacques Avenel, John Edwards, Steve Beresford, Rafal Mazur, etc. Drummer Michel Lambert has been his most faithful collaborator. Together, Michel and François undertook several tours in Europe, Asia and Canada.
His six-month residencies in Rome 2002 and London 2011 allowed him to pursue research and exploration work as a saxophonist composer and he also created bonds with musical circles. Among other things, he composed his Free Opera and organised a good number of recording sessions with several European musicians.
In 2005 he was spotted by British label Leo Records with whom he released five unique albums. Several European avant-garde music labels then join the party such as Creative Sources (Portugal), Ayler Records (Sweden-France), FMR Records (England), Not Two Records (Poland). Following the major international media coverage, the demands keep multiplying.
His recently released album Unwalled on the Polish label Fundacja Słuchaj is receiving several rave reviews. During its 2022 tour the trio composed of François Carrier, John Edwards and Michel Lambert presented a memorable concert at JazzAhead in Bremen, Germany.
