Rachel Aucoin & Sabin Jacques

Quebec

After a frankly classical training including two Masters degrees, two first prizes at the Canadian Music Competition (1997 and 1998) and a solo performance of Beethoven's second with the Orchestre Symphonique de la Montérégie (1997), Rachel Aucoin specialises today in traditional music accompaniment. Her first years with power-trio Domino gave her a solid experience as a dance back-up musician, followed by collaborations with recording artists such as Laura Risk, Michèle Choinière, Claude Méthé, Francine Desjardins, Réjean Simard, Jean Duval and Frank Sears.

Evolving as a piano teacher since 1993, Rachel meets her greatest interest and passion through pedagogy. Now living in Beaumont, near Quebec city, Rachel directs the Maréemusique project, which includes a community-based teaching program.

Since Sabin Jacques began playing the accordion at age 14, his reputation grew non-stop; his multiple and diverse musical engagements made him a versatile and accomplished artist. Deeply influenced by such musicians as Simard, Bruneau, Labbé, Messervier and Montmarquette, he sought his originality in his unusual technique which gives him, as a left-handed player, a recognizable signature.

Originally from the beautiful Gaspé peninsula, Sabin lived in Montreal between 1992-2009. This cosmopolitan musical community allowed him to make significant acquaintances with musicians in the popular and commercial music domain. His work with Acadian icon signer Edith Butler remains the most prolific, between 1993 and 2001. He was also heard alongside celebrated Hugues Aufray, Jean-Pierre Ferland, and Gregory Charles. Eventually, Sabin’s multiple collaborations offered him opportunities to travel worldwide. Sabin remains profoundly attached to his traditional roots and regularly takes part in pedagogical projects, teaching at camps such as the Leahy – Natalie MacMaster camp (ONT) and Ashokan (NY), to name a few. Since distance is not an obstacle for learning, Sabin teaches accordion at home through internet or weekly at the Maréemusique School of Traditional Music. His teaching is said to be uplifting and always inspiring.

His most recent recordings (2007 and 2010) present traditional tunes from Quebec played through remarkable arrangements, with his fellow musicians from band Tidal Wave / Raz-de-marée, putting a highlight on his stunning technique and musicianship while confirming his status as one of Quebec's leading master accordionists.