Grégory Sallet

Grégory Sallet is a multifaceted and imaginative saxophonist based in Lyon, France. A specialist of the soprano and alto saxophones, he is recognised as a creative improviser, composer, and ensemble leader. Citizen Jazz has described him as “a saxophonist with an elaborate language… whose soprano tone reflects the influence of Steve Lacy.”

Deeply committed to musical communication, Sallet engages both fellow musicians and audiences through a wide spectrum of emotions—ranging from energy and intensity to nuance and gentleness. He leads several acclaimed projects, including Sur Écoute Quartet and Rhythm Perseverance, and is an active member of various ensembles such as MB Quatre. His music transmits a profound sensitivity and a poetic curiosity. True to the Latin root of the word “curiosity” (cura – to care), Sallet sees curiosity as an artistic and vital force, aiming to awaken listeners to their own emotions and to the surrounding world.

He has performed at renowned festivals and venues such as France Musique, Jazz à Vienne, Nancy Jazz Pulsations, Teignmouth Jazz, Jazz a la Calle (Uruguay), Le Crescent Jazz Club, Le Périscope (Lyon), and Le Pannonica (Nantes). He has also been an artist-in-residence at Détours de Babel and Abbaye de Neimënster (Luxembourg).

Sallet began playing soprano saxophone at the age of 14 after discovering the music of Jan Garbarek, a formative influence. His artistic journey includes masterclasses and mentorships with leading figures such as Dave Binney, Steve Lehman, Tim Berne, Jim Black, Guillaume Orti, and participation in Steve Coleman’s workshop at The Jazz Gallery (New York). He was selected for the Banff Jazz Workshop 2013 (directed by Vijay Iyer) and awarded a scholarship to the Siena Jazz Workshop 2017. He currently studies tabla with Prabhu Edouard and composition with organist Loïc Mallié, a former pupil of Olivier Messiaen.

Sallet is a laureate of La Défense Jazz Festival (Paris) 2013, Jazz à Vienne 2012, and Jazz Rhône Alpes 2012, and was a finalist at Avignon Jazz Contest 2013 and La Défense Jazz Festival 2012.

In addition to his personal projects, he has recorded and collaborated with artists such as Jim Black, François Raulin, and Olivier Jambois. With over 15 years of experience as a jazz saxophone and improvisation educator, Sallet holds the Diplôme d’État de Jazz and a DEM with highest honours from the Conservatoire of Chambéry, France.

Grégory Sallet is a proud artist endorser of Rampone & Cazzani Saxophones and Rigotti reeds.

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Grégory Sallet is a proud artist endorser of Rampone & Cazzani Saxophones and Rigotti reeds.

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