** New album! **

March 6th, 2026

Today I’m unveiling my fifth opus, Claude, a tribute to the memory of my father, whom I lost in 2024, and to the immense impact he had on my life. This album explores a rich emotional spectrum where brightness and nostalgia intertwine, and where I was able to bring a more personal side to my music.

Each composition evokes a memory I shared with him: car rides in Loretteville when I was eight years old, late-night jams in the family basement, and our shared passion for Jimi Hendrix. This album represents a form of collective mourning to share with the world—a way of celebrating the man my father was and the influence he had on my life and my music.

A little anecdote: half of the tracks were recorded in his presence during a studio session in 2024, and the other half without him, in 2025. This gives the project—and each piece—a unique energy. Will you be able to guess which ones were made with him?

This project also allowed me to collaborate with artists from a variety of backgrounds: Fred Fortin, an icon of pop-folk-rock; Pierre Rémillard, a key figure in metal; Dayron Luis San Juan, a master of Cuban music; and Pierre-Emmanuel Beaudoin, one of the most in-demand musicians in the indie world.

And what would a Carl Mayotte album be without my famous quintet, composed of Stéphane Chamberland on drums, Damien-Jade Cyr on saxophones and keyboards, Gabriel Cyr on guitar, and Francis Grégoire on keyboards? Thanks as well to all the technicians and artists behind this album.

2026 european tour

Very excited to announce that the Carl Mayotte Quintet will be performing in Europe in May 2026, and for the first time in Germany, England, and the Netherlands.

An incredible tour to present the new album, set to be released in spring 2026!

new single

january 2026

I’m excited to present Loretteville, the third and final single ahead of the release of my new album in March 2026.

This suburb of Quebec City means a great deal to me. It is probably the place I know best in the world, and it is also where I was born.

It is also where my father lived for almost his entire life and where we shared many of our most memorable moments together.

My upcoming album will focus on him and on the grieving process I went through after his passing. Each track will therefore evoke places or significant moments shared with him.

The cover, designed by Antoine Proulx, features a photo of Kabir Kouba Falls, an iconic natural landmark of Loretteville and Wendake.

Thanks to the incredible musicians and technicians who worked on this track. A special thank you to PE Beaudoin and Dayron Luis San Juan, who are the special guests on this piece.

new single

december 2025

I’m excited to unveil today Studio 56, my new single, which is probably one of the most emotionally charged pieces I’ve ever written.

This track dives straight into my teenage memories, where it all began: in my father’s small home studio, the place where I learned to love music. It’s also a song that touches on a more difficult subject: the loss of my father and the inner journey that followed. I wanted Studio 56 to reflect that sweetness, that nostalgia, but also all the light he left in my life.

Musically, I explore a universe blending neo-disco, indie, jazz fusion, and a hint of psychedelia—kind of like the music we used to listen to together.

I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by the best for this piece: my usual quintet is here, along with two exceptional guests, PE Beaudoin and Dayron Luis San Juan. Thank you for following this journey with me.

Thanks to my lifelong friends and teammates Gabriel Cyr (also mixing), Francis Grégoire, Damien-Jade Cyr, and Stephane Chamberland; Philip Gosselin (mastering); Antoine Baril (sound engineer); and Antoine Proulx (cover art).

QUÉBEC / CANADA 2026 winter and spring

Several concerts will take place in Québec and across Canada during the winter and spring of 2026, including for the launch of a new album in March.

2026 JAZZ summer camp in ST-ALEXANDRE-DE-KAMOURASKA

I’m thrilled to announce the return of the Saint-Alexandre Music Camp Jazz Camp, which will hold its 5th edition from August 2 to 7, 2026!

Every year, this camp becomes a true must-attend event for all jazz enthusiasts: six intense days where music, sharing, and good vibes take center stage. Watching the participants grow so quickly, surrounded by an exceptional team of instructors, is a privilege that moves me every time.

This new edition promises to be just as inspiring, and we are already working to prepare a rewarding experience, accessible to both beginners and more advanced musicians.

Can’t wait to spend another memorable week with you!