Randal Despommier
Louisiana-born saxophonist Randal Despommier is an adept performer whose sound touches upon adventurous post-bop, sacred choral music, and contemporary jazz. He debuted as a leader with 2021's Dio C'è.
A native of the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, Despommier started playing saxophone in his youth, encouraged by his father, a traditional jazz drummer. Growing up, he listened to a mix of sounds, including grunge and funk, but was ultimately drawn to the local jazz and R&B traditions that surrounded him. After high school, he further honed his skills, earning his Bachelor of Music in jazz studies at Loyola University of New Orleans and a Doctor of Musical Arts in music composition from New England Conservatory. Along the way, he studied choral conducting at the Conservatory of Perugia and sacred music at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena with Azio Corghi.
Following his time at school, Despommier made his recorded debut alongside keyboardist James Yeager on their 2018 album All at Onceness. In addition to performing, he has taught at Bard High School Early College in Manhattan and as part of the Bard Prison Initiative at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility for men. In 2021, he released his solo debut, Dio C'è, which featured co-production by Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip and appearances by guitarist Ben Monder and vocalist Aubrey Johnson.
© Matt Collar /TiVo
Discography
5 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
-
-
A Midsummer Odyssey: The Music of Lars Gullin
Jazz - Released by Sunnyside on 15 Jul 2022
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
All at Onceness
Randal Despommier, Jason Yeager
Jazz - Released by Red Piano Records on 4 May 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Everything Happens to Me
Randal Despommier, Jason Yeager
Jazz - Released by Outside in Music on 28 Apr 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
SoHo Down
Randal Despommier, Aubrey Johnson, Jimmy Haslip
Jazz - Released by Outside in Music on 8 Jan 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo