The Bolduc Groove Quintet

The spark behind this project, The Bolduc Groove Quintet, came from a simple desire: to create vibrant, groove-based music where each musician can find their place, their voice, and above all, the joy of playing.

The idea began to take shape after a memorable collaboration with saxophonist Chantel De Villiers, also known as Funky Princess. That adventure led to an Opus Award for Best Jazz Concert of the Year in Quebec. The energy, freedom, and spirit of that experience made me want to continue in that same direction, toward music that is joyful, open, and sincere.

I then started composing with the musicians themselves in mind, thinking directly about who would bring these pieces to life. Some of the music also includes Chantel’s voice, whose presence inspired me throughout the project.

The first piece to emerge was The Lickin’. If you spend any time in the jazz world on YouTube, you will probably recognize the reference to the famous The Lick. That musical idea inspired a composition that is both playful and serious, rooted in tradition while still leaving room for surprise.

For this project, I also wanted to explore a different color by writing for guitar rather than piano. That choice completely changed the group’s dynamic, giving the sound more space, air, and lightness.

Playing this music has been a real joy. I am proud of the compositions, but above all I am grateful to the musicians. Chantel, Rich, Nick, and Ira brought an exceptional level of playing, a strong human presence, and a contagious joy that carried the music far beyond what I had imagined.

I also want to thank my students at McGill. Their curiosity, energy, and passion remind me every day why I love music so much. They push me to keep exploring and to keep the creative fire alive.

I hope you will enjoy listening to this music as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Enjoy the music.