Nick Fraser

**Nick Fraser** is a standout figure in Toronto's vibrant jazz and experimental music scene, known for his dynamic drumming and boundary-pushing collaborations. As both a bandleader and sideman, he's built a reputation for blending free improvisation with thoughtful composition, working with artists like Tony Malaby, Rob Clutton, and Marilyn Lerner. His releases—including the introspective *Is Life Long?* (2020) and the collaborative *Ugly Beauties*—showcase his knack for balancing spontaneity with structure, often leaning into avant-garde textures while staying rooted in jazz tradition.

Whether leading his own projects like the Nick Fraser Quartet (*Towns and Villages*) or diving into duo explorations (*Dirge*), Fraser’s work feels both cerebral and visceral. A mainstay of Canada’s creative music community, he’s become a go-to collaborator for artists unafraid to test limits, cementing his role as a catalyst for innovation in modern improvisational music.