Grégoire Maret

Grégoire Maret is a jazz harmonica player born on May 13, 1975 in Geneva, Switzerland. He began playing the harmonica at the age of 17.

Background

Maret moved to New York City to study at the New School University's Jazz Department after graduating from the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève.

In 2003 he was the subject of Swiss filmmaker Frédéric Baillif's documentary Sideman, which won several awards. In 2005, Maret toured with the Pat Metheny Group, receiving a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album for their album The Way Up. He also won the Jazz Journalists Association 'Player of the Year Award'. After his Grammy win, Maret embarked on a two-year tour with bassist Marcus Miller and subsequently joined Herbie Hancock's band.

Following his time with Herbie Hancock, he co-led the jazz trio Gaïa with pianist Federico Gonzales Peña and drummer Gene Lake. He also recorded an album, Scenarios, with Andy Milne in 2007. In 2010, Grégoire Maret played at The Concert for the Rainforest with Elton John and Sting.

On March 13, 2012 Maret released his first album as a leader.^[1] The eponymous album features such notable guests as vocalist Cassandra Wilson, bassist Marcus Miller, guitarist Raul Midón, Mark Kibble and Alvin Chea of Take 6, and the harmonica player Toots Thielemans.

Discography

As leader or co-leader

As sideman or guest

References