Pat Belliveau is a JUNO Award–nominated and three-time YYC Music Award–nominated saxophonist with an impressive international performance résumé. He has played at major jazz festivals and venues across cities such as Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Montreal, Montreux (Switzerland), and Panama City, among others. His touring history spans North America, Europe, and Japan, performing with high-profile groups including the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Vic Damone and Diahann Carroll, the Mills Brothers, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs, Maureen McGovern, and Mel Tormé.
Pat has shared the stage in concert with a remarkable list of artists such as Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Harry Connick Jr., Clark Terry, Rob McConnell, Phil Woods, Kenny Wheeler, Doc Severinsen, The Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Joan Rivers, Bernadette Peters, David Foster, Colin James, and many others. He has also performed with several university jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras including the Calgary Philharmonic and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
A respected educator, Pat currently teaches saxophone, improvisation, and directs jazz ensembles at Ambrose University in Calgary. He previously served on the faculty of the University of Calgary’s Music Department (1995–2008), and has taught privately since 1986. He is also an active clinician and adjudicator at festivals and schools across Canada.
With over 55 recording credits as both leader and sideman, Pat’s work spans live performance, television, and radio. He is a featured Artist/Clinician for Eastman Musical Instruments, BG Woodwind Music Products (France), Theo Wanne Saxophone Mouthpieces, and Marca Saxophone Reeds (France).
Name:
Pat Belliveau
Genre:
Jazz/Blues/Rock/Funk/R&B/Latin
Founded:
Born in 1967…..First pro gig in 1984
# of Albums:
2 as a leader, 1 as a co-leader, 55+ as a sideman.
Latest Album:
Pat Belliveau Quintet (Live in Panama)
Latest Single:
“Secret Smiles” (comp. Mike Tomaro)
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Many, but, was drawn to the sound of saxophonist/clarinettist John Helliwell from the band “Supertramp”.
Favourite musician now:
Way too many, but if I had to choose one, even though he passed away a few years back, “maybe” saxophonist Michael Brecker.
Guilty pleasure song:
“More Than a Feeling” by Boston
Live show ritual:
Communicate with the audience about who I am and what I am presenting to them.
Favourite local musician:
I have so many who are great friends and colleagues, I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one.
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl, but not like I used to be.
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
A few low-key/private events and the Ambrose University jazz camp are coming up, plus some other larger things in the works that are works in progress.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | LinkedIn
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
“Franca’s” (Italian)
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
“Lakeview Drive” – the street my family lived on for 32 years and the majority of my childhood. I wrote a song about it, you can find it on YouTube.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
North Glenmore Park – an easy walk from where I lived as a kid, and I have walked through it countless times listening to music, watching the sun go down, etc. A place I could always “decompress”.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Ironwood Stage
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Probably “St. John’s Music”…..I worked there at one time, and my instrument repairman of 20+ years works there. I trust him implicitly.