Michel Mainil

Michel Mainil is a Belgian multi-instrumentalist and composer, specializing in the saxophone and clarinet. Born on October 1, 1955, in La Louvière, he began studying music around age 15. Influenced early on by jazz traditionalists like Duke Ellington, he later drew inspiration from bop and hard-bop artists including John Coltrane and Miles Davis. He has been active since the 1970s, performing in various ensembles including big bands, variety orchestras, and jazz groups. His collaborations include work with Eloi Baudimont and Lisa Rosillo, with performances spanning multiple genres from salsa to African music. His discography includes the albums Between the Two Solstices (2005) and Victor Jara, le Poète au Chant Libre (2020).