A dynamic and versatile musician, Claude Godin creates mood and memories with music. Born on July 27, 1963, in Montreal and raised in the village of Robertville in New Brunswick, Mr. Godin deeply believes in sharing the gift of music. He spent much of his youth in New Brunswick and a decade in Prince Albert Saskatchewan, setting the foundation for an enduring career in the arts. He desired to see the west and later relocated to the growing suburban city of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
Coming from an extremely musical family, Claude Godin was immersed in music from early childhood. Initial training began with inspiration from his father who often held jam sessions at the family home. He diligently focused on the basics and grew as a musician over the years. Focused and driven to perfect his art, Claude became well versed in Alto, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones as well as the Clarinet. He is also well versed in many other complementary instruments including: piano, guitar, bass and the drums.
Claude invested time training with a variety of bands across the country while developing a love for what he calls ‘rootsy’ styles of music such as Jazz, Latin, Blues and Funk. He expanded his social circle to make contact with great players and producers in the local and national industry, those that encouraged his unique voice and expression.
Claude admires music by the greats such as Charley Parker, Cannonball Adderley and Sonny Rollins who performed at the 2005 Montreal Jazz Festival. On the world scene, he attentively listens to expert musicians such as saxophonist Chris Potter. He believes ‘listening’ is key to gaining inspiration and honing one’s musical individuality and personal style. Claude closely studies those he considers musical geniuses and includes: Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and the technical talents of the late Michael Becker.
Claude is a promoted artist on the national scene and plays at open microphone opportunities to expose his style and the sultry pretty tones of his saxophones. He performs with several bands, some specifically designed for certain special gigs. Currently, he is excited to be forming a groove and funk band under his own name ‘Claude Godin Groove Ensemble’ and is performing with Edmonton Blues/Funk band -‘The Whisper Kings’. He has been featured as a solo artist on many albums with bands such as Greg Godovitz ‘Goddo’, produced by the Canadian rock guitarist Paul Dean of ‘Loverboy’.
He has performed, as an opening act and/or appeared with the likes of Bo Diddley, The Platters, Powder Blues Band, Jack Semple, Matt Andersen, Matt Minglewood, Kim Mitchel, Fred Eaglesmith, Ian Mitchel & the Bay City Rollers, Big Dave McLean, Amos Gareth, David Ward, Russell Broom, Donald Ray Johnson, J.W. Jones Blues Band, Elmer Ferrer, Kenny Blues ‘Boss’ Wayne, Legends of Rock N Roll, Tim Williams, just to name a few.
In 2011 & 2015, Claude won the prestigious ‘Saxophone Player of the Year’ from the Calgary International Blues Music Association. He has been featured in print and radio across the country and television on CBC. His enduring passion is; “To elevate the value and importance of the arts in our world, it is a gift and therefore should be treated with respect and shared freely with all humankind. If you can speak the language of music, share it with the world…it is yearning for it.”
Currently residing in Red Deer, Alberta, Claude Godin often commutes to Edmonton and Calgary for performance opportunities as well as throughout western Canada. He is a father of four children who also welcomes new inspiring students who seek special instruction. For more information on performances and student instruction, please email Claude Godin at: saxmania2005@yahoo.ca or call the following cell # 403-872-3284
2 comments:
ALter Ian now !!
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