Jean Pierre Zanella

Origin

Montreal, QC

Genres

jazz, bossa nova, Brazilian popular music

Instruments

saxophone

Biography

Jean Pierre Zanella is a Canadian saxophonist, composer, and arranger, born in Montreal on December 27, 1957. With a career spanning over 40 years, Zanella stands out for incorporating elements of Brazilian popular music, bossa nova, and jazz into his work. His deep connection with Brazil is manifested in various collaborations and projects, which have earned him recognition, including the Order of Rio Branco conferred by the Brazilian government.

Throughout his career, Zanella has explored different musical formations, performing in duo, trio, and quartet settings on stages in Quebec, Canada, Europe, and Brazil. He has recorded and collaborated with renowned Brazilian artists such as Marcos Valle, Altay Veloso, the group Boca Livre, and pianist Marcos Ariel. His wife, Mima Souza, who is also Brazilian, has been an important influence in his career, bringing him even closer to the country's culture and music.

Zanella has eight solo albums, many of which have been awarded or nominated for major music awards. His discography demonstrates the artist's versatility and passion for different styles, highlighting projects that celebrate Brazilian music, such as the album "Rio Minas," which features reinterpretations of Chico Buarque and Milton Nascimento. His work as a teacher and his contribution to the Canadian jazz scene are also important milestones in his career.

Discography

• Caminho (1993)
• Mystic Infancy (1996)
• Puzzle City (1999)
• Mother Tree (2002)
• Marcos Ariel & Jean-Pierre Zanella – Diplomatie (2004)
• Trio Lorraine Desmarais & Jean-Pierre Zanella – Jazz For Christmas / Jazz Pour Noël (2005)
• Villa-Lobos Antonio C Jobim (2006)
• Infinito (2010)