Jean Derome

Jean Derome is a Montreal-based saxophonist, flutist, and composer who’s been a driving force in Canada’s experimental and avant-garde music scene since the 1970s. Known for his playful yet boundary-pushing style, Derome blends jazz, rock, classical, and absurdist humor into works that feel both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. A founding member of the legendary collective Ambiances Magnétiques, he’s collaborated with icons like René Lussier and Fred Frith while releasing a wild array of solo projects, from quirky improvisations to intricate film scores. Recent albums like *La chaleur de la pensée* and *Plates-formes et Traquenards* showcase his knack for weaving whimsical melodies with avant-garde textures, proving he’s still as creatively restless as ever. Whether composing for chamber ensembles or diving into free-jazz chaos, Derome remains a mischievous innovator with a saxophone in hand and a twinkle in his eye.