~ Stephane Bouchard ~
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 Stephane Bouchard has had a special interest in jazz music for a very long time. He received his music degree in 1995. His influences include renowned French jazz players and teachers from his school days Paul Brochu and Francois Bourassa, as well as, the greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Marcus Miller and Alain Caron..
Over the years Stephane played bass and composed a growing number of original jazz and pop tunes while playing with different groups and exploring various musical styles. Prior to Stephane putting together La Funk Six, he had been a member of folk rock legends, the New Drifts which also featured Catherine MacLellan and James Phillips. His experience includes studio work, TV and touring. Stephane has toured around the globe with well known Nova Scotia Acadian band, BLOU.
La Funk Six were 5 very talented musicians who Stephane brought together to bring his jazz vision alive. They included James Phillips on guitar, Kirk White on drums and the horn section of Glen Strickey, alto and soprano saxophones; Dan St-Amand, trumpet; and Peter Wynne, tenor saxaphone while Stephane played both fretless and 5 string bass guitars.
This CD was nominated for jazz album of the year at the 2005 ECMAs in Sydney NS. Stephane and La Funk 6 were also nominated for three Music PEI Awards for jazz album of the year, instrumental album of the year and new artist. During their time on the scene they played a number of jazz festivals in the region including the Edmunston Jazz Festival, the Halifax Jazz Festival and the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival in Charlottetown.
With the release of this CD, Stephane set his sights high for the band. Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you. It didn’t quite make it to the lofty heights but it sure was a fun ride while it lasted. If jazz is your thing, give Stephane and La Funk a listen and hear the potential for what could have been |
Stephane Bouchard / La Funk Six
Stephane Bouchard / La Funk Six take another big step on the road to east coast jazz recognition with the release of their first self titled CD. The seven original tracks on the CD are a snapshot of a jazz band finding its groove and making the most of it. The group travels between a pure energy sound and soft melodies in pursuit of its original sound.
Bleu, ~Gaya, ~GasPump, ~Lunenphares, ~She, ~El Funk, ~Marquis Porter
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