From 1988 to 1991, A Few Colors was a meteoric modern jazz septet that united some of Canada's best younger jazz musicians.
The group was regularly recorded and broadcast on CBC and was present at several editions of the Montreal International Jazz Festival. They played at the Québec National Library and the National Gallery of Canada and in jazz clubs such as l’Air du Temps and Café Central and presented several concerts at Maisons de la Culture.
Led by drummer Jon Miller and composer-guitarist Luc Bourgeois, A Few Colors’ music was structured for collective interplay and individual improvisations. The band had an uncommon melodic front line that shaped its uniquely bittersweet sound (guitar, trumpet, soprano and tenor saxophones). Supported by a solid rhythm section, arrangements traveled through intimate solos, duos, and trios and also triggered explosions worthy of a big band.
Their music, rooted in jazz tradition, is characterized by great freedom, sensitive interplay, and sincere intention. It remains unique and contemporary more than 35 years after its creation.
July 2026: A Few Colors' first CD restored & remastered.
The septet's self-titled album recorded in 1988 was recently audio-restored and remastered at Studio A with the input of Jean-Philippe Villemure, Bernard Gariépy Strobl and other discerning ears.
Find out more here.
"Here is a composer who likes to play with meter, he likes to play with dynamics, and he likes to play with mood. Not ever just for the sake of showing that he can play around with these elements, but because it serves a purpose that he has in mind for the specific piece of music."
"A truly extraordinary Montreal group."
Katie Malloch, Jazz Beat CBC, 1991
"A sharp-eared septet led by guitarist Luc Bourgeois that virtually smokes with tension and release."
Andrew Jones, The Montreal Mirror, November 15 1990
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