Lex French
Biography
New Zealand-born jazz trumpet player Lex French is a bright star on the Canadian jazz scene and has been hailed by critics Stanley Pean (CBC-Radio Canada) as “an extraordinary trumpeter.”
Possessing a unique voice on the trumpet, Lex plays with technical virtuosity and abiding musical inventiveness, often being compared to legendary trumpeters Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, and Kenny Wheeler.
He has over 100 recording credits as a sideman, and over the course of his 20-year career, he has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Aaron Parks, Bennie Maupin, Camille Thurman, Charles McPherson, Charles Tolliver, Christine Jensen, David Binney, Diana Krall, Gary Versace, Ingrid Jensen, Ira Coleman, John Clayton, John Hollenbeck, Kurt Elling, Patti Austin, Sam Newsome, and is currently touring with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet.
Lex is an internationally sought-after composer and arranger and has recently been commissioned to write works for jazz orchestra, studio orchestra, string quartet, and massed brass-choir. He has released three albums as a leader: The Cut (2014), Prevent the Future (2017), and In the World’s First Summer (2024), which received a silver medal in the International Trumpet Guild’s 2025 recording Awards.
Lex is also a respected educator and sought-after band-director and clinician. He holds a Doctorate of Music from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music where he works teaching large and small ensembles, jazz composition, jazz pedagogy and jazz trumpet.
Praise for Lex and In the World’s First Summer:
“In the World’s First Summer is a glimpse into Lex’s evolving genius as a trumpeter.” – Veronica Johnson, Downbeat
“In the World’s First Summer is probably the jazz album of the year. Not to be missed.” – Frederic Cardin, PanM360.com
“French has a drive and verve akin to Woody Shaw” – George Harris, JazzWeekly.com
“Always impeccable, the trumpeter Lex French is a judicious mix of Freddie Hubbard and Shorty Rodgers.” – Christophe Rodriguez, sortiesjazznights.com
“French is an excellent trumpet player in the tradition from Wheeler's ECM albums Deer Wan and Gnu High.” – Jan Granlie, salt-peanuts.eu
“French makes his imaginative presence felt” – Ron Schepper, Textura
Instrument: YTR8310ZII
Connect with Lex: Instagram/Facebook @lexfrenchmusic
