Nicolas Masson

Swiss saxophonist Nicolas Masson is a forward-thinking jazz musician with a bent toward modern creative improvisation. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Masson studied music at the Conservatoire Populaire de Musique de Genève. After graduating in 2000, Masson studied privately for a year in New York City with such artists as Chris Potter and Rich Perry. In 2002, Masson released his debut album, Awake, on the Altrisuoni label. Masson eventually moved back to Europe and in 2006 released his sophomore solo album, Yellow (A Little Orange), on the Fresh Sound/New Talent label. In 2009, Masson and his band Parallel released their debut album, Thirty Six Ghosts. Two years later, he returned to Fresh Sound/New Talent for his solo album, Departures. In 2013, Masson appeared with his trio Third Reel on their self-titled ECM debut. He made his label debut as a leader with 2018's Travelers. The collection of nine originals played by his decade-plus standing touring and recording quartet Parallels with pianist Colin Vallon, double bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Lionel Friedl. ~ Matt Collar