Guillaume Perret
French Saxophone InnovatorBiography
Born in June 1980, Guillaume Perret is a talented French composer, saxophone player, and keyboardist dedicated to expanding the boundaries of jazz music. His musical journey began at the remarkably young age of 6, where he immediately displayed an exceptional passion and aptitude for music. Guillaume’s formal education includes graduation from Chambéry Conservatoire, complemented studies at the Annecy conservatoire, providing him with a strong classical foundation that would later inform his innovative approach.
During the early 2000s, Perret taught saxophone and music techniques while simultaneously building experience through collaborations with notable artists like Hadrian Feraud, Flavio Boltro, and Claude Tchamitchian. These experiences eventually led him to focus fully on developing his own unique projects, paving the way for a distinctive career that bridges traditional jazz with contemporary sonic experimentation.
Musical Journey
Guillaume Perret’s professional career took flight in 2002 when he embarked on a tour with the quartet NOSQUARE, traveling extensively through countries including Switzerland, Poland, Thailand, Argentina, and Chile. This global exposure significantly shaped his musical perspective, infusing his compositions with diverse cultural influences.
Between 2002 and 2006, he recorded three albums with the jazz collective Lebocal, further developing his artistic voice. The pivotal moment in his career came in 2008 with the formation of Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic alongside musicians Yoann Serra, Philippe Bussonnet, and Jim Grandcamp. This collaboration would fundamentally transform his musical trajectory and establish his reputation as an innovative force in contemporary jazz.
Key Career Milestones & Evolution
- Began playing saxophone at age 6, developing a strong foundation in classical and jazz techniques
- Graduated with honors from Chambéry and Annecy conservatoires
- Released first album with Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic in 2012 through John Zorn’s Tzadik label
- Released the EP “Doors” in 2013, further exploring sonic boundaries
- Released “Open Me” in 2014 through Kakoum! Records
- Released solo album “Free” in 2016, marking a significant artistic evolution
- Released “16 Levers de Soleil” in 2018, his most recent album containing 14 innovative tracks
Discography
- Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic (2012) Debut album released through John Zorn’s prestigious Tzadik label, introducing his distinctive saxophone-driven jazz fusion sound.
- Doors (EP, 2013) A bridging EP that continued his exploration of electric jazz fusion with new sonic dimensions.
- Open Me (2014) Released through Kakoum! Records, showing significant artistic evolution and a broader sound palette.
- Free (2016) A solo project featuring 12 tracks including “Heavy Dance,” exploring the opened horizons of jazz in history.
- 16 Levers de Soleil (2018) His most recent album, containing 14 tracks that further push the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
Live Performances
Guillaume Perret has performed on stage more than a hundred times throughout his career, including numerous international festivals. His live performances showcase his extraordinary ability to merge technical prowess with emotional depth, creating immersive musical experiences.
Musical Style
Guillaume Perret’s musical style defies easy categorization, blending elements of:
- Contemporary jazz with its improvisational foundation and harmonic sophistication
- Funky grooves that provide infectious rhythmic foundations
- Metal and rock influences delivering powerful intensity and dynamic range
- Electro-funk elements adding modern textural dimensions
- Psychedelic soundscapes creating immersive listening experiences
What truly sets Guillaume apart is his unique approach to the saxophone, particularly his pioneering use of electronic effects to transform and expand the instrument’s sonic possibilities. Since 2003, he has been enhancing his saxophone with analog effects, creating a distinctive sound that is immediately recognizable yet constantly evolving.
“His music doesn’t belong to a specific genre, rather it calls upon our senses. It is an innovative mixture of contemporary Jazz, funky grooves, screaming metal… a hybrid music, disturbing, bewitching, evocative of images and sensations.” — Sennheiser
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Guillaume has collaborated with numerous talented musicians who have helped shape his artistic vision:
- Yoann Serra – Drummer in The Electric Epic, bringing dynamic rhythmic elements
- Philippe Bussonnet – Bassist known for his work with Magma, providing solid groove foundations
- Jim Grandcamp – Guitarist adding textural and harmonic dimensions to The Electric Epic
- Hadrian Feraud – Acclaimed bassist with whom Guillaume has collaborated
- Flavio Boltro – Renowned trumpeter who has performed with Guillaume
- Claude Tchamitchian – Double bassist who has contributed to Guillaume’s musical projects
- John Zorn – Legendary saxophonist and composer who produced Guillaume’s debut album with The Electric Epic
These collaborations have been instrumental in Guillaume’s artistic development, allowing him to explore new musical territories and refine his unique voice in contemporary jazz.
Watch Guillaume in Action
Show full performance: Guillaume Perret – Heavy Dance (Solo with Electric Sax)
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OUT OF TIME (Live)
A track that evolved during the first lockdown, with a feeling of suspended time.
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Pilgrim (Solo with Electric Sax)
A mesmerizing demonstration of Guillaume’s innovative approach to the saxophone.
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Heavy Dance (Live at North Sea Jazz)
Live performance at North Sea Jazz Festival 2015.
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Full Concert at Jazz à Vienne
Complete live performance showcasing Guillaume’s versatility and virtuosity.
