Les Sabler

Les was born and raised in Montreal, Canada and graduated as a Jazz major from Concordia University.  He then relocated to Florida  and enrolled in graduate studies at the University of Miami jazz department.  While living in Miami in the he performed in several prominent Jazz, Latin and R&B bands which laid an important foundation for his composing and guitar style.  Les= points to Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour and George Benson as influences but his music draws from a wide variety of other influences outside the guitar realm.   In 1989 he composed and produced an original soundtrack for the CTV (Canada) network documentary Lost Treasures of the Titanic.  Following that project he recorded his debut CD Hidden Treasure which brought Les national attention on Contemporary Jazz and NAC radio formats.

Les has performed with his 5 piece group extensively since 1990, as a headliner and as opening act for many national recording artists.  Les' group has always consisted of first rate players and at various times has included noted musicians such as Ron and Dave Reinhart (Richard Elliot), David Toler and Bruce Waibel (Greg Allman Band), Jody Marsh (Nat Adderly), Patrick Bettison (Acoustic Alchemy), Doug Matthews (Sam Rivers) and Iraj Lashkary (Ahmad Jamal).  Les was selected by Walt Disney World to perform at the opening of Pleasure Island Jazz Company and has continued to perform there for several years.  His second CD Time For Love was released in 1995 on New Vista/Vision and continues to receive national radio airplay.  Les' performance at the 1996 Clearwater Jazz Holiday was recorded on video and has been broadcast on BET television network.

 

In 1999 leading Smooth Jazz and Acid Jazz label Instinct Records released the compilation CD Sweet Emotions which featured Les instrumental version of the Earth Wind & Fire classic Reasons.  Les  is presently in production on his third CD and is also completing production of a live CD.

 

Players Magazine stated Sabler has evolved into an extremely promising artist with a shimmering guitar style that is sleek, shic and sexy.  Jazztimes labeled Les a talented up and comer.  A review in MAC stated Sabler's guitar playing is dynamic like John Scofield's, melodic like George Benson's and compelling like Jeff Beck's.  But, Sabler's sound isn't just a conglomeration of his influences, his playing is clearly and refreshingly his own. CCM stated Les' guitar work is incredible.

 

Discography:

 

As leader:       

Hidden Treasure / Les Sabler (New Vista)                         1990

MAC Sampler (compilation)                                              1990

Joys of Jazz (CD Review compilation)                               1991

Time For Love / Les Sabler (New Vista/Vision)                 1995

Radio Edits / Les Sabler (New Vista/Vision)                      1995

Amber Nights (Canandaigua Wine Company compilation)  1998

Demo CD                                                                          1998

Sweet Emotions (Instinct) compilation                               1999

Video: 

Lost Treasures of The Titanic / documentary soundtrack (CTV)            1990

Live at Clearwater Jazz Holiday                                                                    1996

Hyde Park Concert Series (Time Warner Cable)                                   1996

Jazz Discovery (BET Network)                                                                  1997

 

As sideman:    

Gentle Currents / Mark & Steve Pettey (New Rage)                             1992  

In The Cool Of The Day / Randy Estelle (Courtyard)                           1993

Gospel Hymns Vol. II / Various (Pulse)                                              1995            

Lifesongs For Kids, video & cassette (QVC)                                      1995          

Be Encouraged / DeWayne Harvey & Unrestrained Praise (Innovative) 1999