Mike Gauthier Jazz

Biography

Michael Gauthier’s soulful approach to the jazz guitar follows Aaron Copland’s philosophy: «Music should be as simple as possible but no simpler.» A self-taught improviser, Gauthier’s prowess as a performer has placed him on stage with numerous internationally known jazz stars. His playing style evokes the human voice and is influenced by guitarists Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, and Robert Johnson, and singers Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix. His compositions incorporate dancing rhythms, lyrical conversations and a touch of blues. A favorite on the club and festival scene, he can be heard regulary on both local and national radio broadcasts. Mike teaches Jazz at l’Université de Montréal, McGill, Bishop’s, and l’Université de Sherbrooke and has also been a jury member for the Alcan Canadian Jazz Competition and le Ministère des Affaires culturelles du Québec.

“…Michael Gauthier is the group member that struts his technical ability. He played the most adventurous solos of the total festival, as with Nat Adderly’s Work song, which he removed from the realm of the purely melodic to raw feeling.”
Janet Coutts, The Westmount Examiner

“…Mike Gauthier strapped on his guitar and promptly lashed out with a terrifically soulful solo.”
John Sobol, The Montreal Gazette

“…(He) both exploits the blues element of the tune and affirms its melodic richness.”
Johan Sarazin, The Downtowner

Concerts and Festivals

Festival Baie Jazz & Blues- Shédiac, N.B
Beaches International Jazz Festival-Toronto
W.C. Handy Festival-Alabama
Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Victoria International Jazz Festival
Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Place des Arts-Montréal
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Festival de Jazz de Baie-Comeau
Festival Nuits Black de Québec
Festival de Jazz de Gaspé
Festi-Jazz de Rimouski
Barrie Ontario Jazz Fest
FestiJazz Mont-Tremblant

Performances with

Dizzy Reece
Frank Wess
Bill Hardman
J.R. Montrose
Marvin “Smitty” Smith
Steve Grossman
Charles Davis
Ray Drummond
Curtis Fuller
Junior Cook
John Hicks
Jimmy Heath
Archie Shepp
Barry Harris
Big John Patton
Fraser MacPherson
Clifford Jordan
Pat Labarbera
Mundell Lowe
Oliver Jones
Cecil Payne
Don Thompson
Mike LeDonne
Terry Clarke

Contact

Mike is available and can be contacted for private lessons, workshops and masterclasses.

michael.gauthier@mcgill.ca (450) 583-2171

© 2024 - Mike Gauthier Jazz - All Rights Reserved.

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