Montreal resident Olivier Babaz was born a in Paris but started traveling at a very young age in Europe and worldwide. He’s lived mainly in France, Netherlands, Reunion Island but has been a full time Montreal resident since 2010. He’s toured Madagascar, the Caribean, Haiti and in Canada, and he’s played in numerous festivals and venues includig francofolies de Montreal (Canada), Sakifo Music festival (Réunion), Jazz In Marciac (France), Angeradona (madagascar), jazz a port au Prince (Haiti), Milatsika festival (mayotte), New morning (Paris).
With an extensive experience as a sideman for numerous artists in Europe, Indian ocean and Canada, He focuses more and more on composing for acoustic ensembles, collaborating with artists from various backgrounds. He also puts a special emphasis in writing for solo upright bass.
Olivier graduated from Music Academy International in Nancy and The Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood. He obtained his first prize in jazz interpretation from Conservatoire National de la Région Réunion where he also studied classical bass. He has a professional Master’s degree in film music writing from The Université du Québec à Montréal.
Has played with : Lionel Loueke, Meddy Gerville, Jeno quartet, Sylvain Ransy, Zong, Jaboticaba, Fabrice Legros, Alain Chan, Alpha Tiam, Luc Joly, Alex Sorres, François Pelletier, Bigouai, and Les Jeunes Mariés Zooloo Blues band…
Here is Olivier on Double Bass and Kalimba (Thumb Piano) with Leppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”
