François Houle in glasses, black jacket and grey pants playing the clarinet

François Houle

a spectacularly versatile clarinetist who appears to have no limitations stylistically or sonically

LA Times

François Houle is a Canadian jazz reedist born in Lachine, Quebec. François plays primarily clarinet and soprano saxophone. Houle studied music formally at McGill University from 1980 to 1984 and then at Yale University from 1985 to 1987, after which he pursued a career in jazz, studying under Steve Lacy. He’s lived in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1989. His album for Songlines Records, In the Vernacular: The Music of John Carter, was nominated for a Juno Award in 1999 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. François’ work continues to test stylistic boundaries, looking for new vistas whilst connecting with listeners everywhere.


  • François Houle in glasses, black jacket and grey pants playing the clarinet