Jason Sharp is a Montreal based baritone and bass saxophonist who’s sound is a combination of his interests in jazz, contemporary classical, electronic, rock, free form improvisation, and Arabic classical music. Threading these diverse influences together, Sharp has developed a uniquely vibrant sound in the groups he contributes to.
He can be heard as a regular member in Josh Zubot’s Mend Ham, Sam Shalabi’s Land Of Kush and Egyptian Light Orchestra, Nicolas Caloia’s Ratchet Orchestra, and Joe Grass’s Tiny Dictators. Jason is also a frequent collaborator in Montreal’s vibrant improvising community and has shared the stage with Lori Freedman, Jean Derome, and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. In addition to his usual collaborators, he has recorded with Matana Roberts, Thee Silver Mt. Zion, and Sam Shalabi for the Constellations record label.
As a composer, Jason has been commissioned to compose music for contemporary dance, film, and sound installations. Since 2007, he has had pieces premier at the Yukon Arts Center, Vancouver International Dance Festival, and the FIDA International Dance Festival that have gone on to tour Brazil, Belgium, France, and the United States.
Jason holds a B.MUS in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto where he studied with Mike Murley, Kirk MacDonald, Alex Dean, and Phil Nimmons. He continued his studies in composition at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and in 2006 received a Conseil des Arts et des Lettres Grant to study with Ellery Eskelin, Michael Blake, and Ben Allison in New York City.