Nicolas Masson Quartet

A project by
4TET
CH

Original compositions.
Last release : ECM Rec. https://ecmrecords.com/artists/nicolas-masson/

Nicolas Masson, ts
Colin Vallon, p
Patrice Moret, d
Lionel Friedli, d

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Nicolas Masson Quartet

“A masterclass in subtle interaction and narrative depth.” – Jazzwise (Editor’s Choice)

“A breathtaking journey from misty serenity to radiant splendour.” – UK Vibe

“Elegiac, poetic, and deeply moving… Masson’s warm, burnished tone anchors a powerful requiem for lost time.” – Marlbank

“Undoubtedly at a point on a path where the future of jazz will surely pass through him.” – Jazz Magazine (Album Choc, April 2025)

Led by Swiss saxophonist and composer Nicolas Masson, this ensemble brings together four distinctive voices of the European jazz scene: pianist Colin Vallon, bassist Patrice Moret, and drummer Lionel Friedli. Built on a collaboration developed over many years, the quartet has forged a singular musical language shaped by trust, deep listening, and a shared commitment to collective expression.

The quartet’s music unfolds in a space where composition and improvisation merge seamlessly. Masson’s writing offers open forms and evocative structures that invite constant reinvention, while the group’s interplay reveals a rare balance between lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and textural depth. Their sound is both refined and exploratory — attentive to silence, resonance, and the subtle transformation of musical ideas.

Internationally acclaimed recordings such as Thirty Six Ghosts (Clean Feed Records), Travelers (ECM), and Renaissance(ECM) document the ensemble’s evolving artistic vision. These albums have established the quartet as a singular presence in contemporary jazz, praised for its clarity of expression, emotional intensity, and strong collective identity.

In concert, the Nicolas Masson Quartet moves between stillness and propulsion, between the precisely notated and the entirely unexpected. Each performance has the quality of a conversation — unhurried, attentive, and alive to the moment — creating an immersive experience for audiences in both concert halls and intimate club settings.

With its strong artistic identity and enduring artistic partnership, the quartet stands as a compelling voice on today’s European jazz scene.

https://nicolasmasson.com

    Past dates

    21.03.2026 — Bird’s Eye, Basel (CH)

    20.03.2026 — Bird’s Eye, Basel (CH)

    AVAILABILITIES

    Oct. 16 to Nov. 5
    Nov. 16 to Dec. 5
    Ask for avails in Jan./Feb. 2027

    Upcoming dates

    Ask for lineups, which one depend on venue, date(s) and conditions.

    03.09.2026
    JazzChurFestival, Chur (CH)
    Renaissance de Nicolas Masson Quartet

    Downloads

    Past dates

    21.03.2026 — Bird’s Eye, Basel (CH)

    20.03.2026 — Bird’s Eye, Basel (CH)

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