Chantel De Villiers – Biography
Formerly known as Chantal De Villiers, she now performs under the name Chantel De Villiers. A Montreal-based tenor saxophonist and vocalist, Chantel is known for her warm, rich sound, expressive playing, and passion for jazz, funk, and soul music. Her musical style draws inspiration from legendary saxophonists such as Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Scott Hamilton, Stan Getz, Eddie Harris, and Gene Ammons.
Throughout her career, Chantel has been involved in numerous musical projects, performing in jazz clubs, concert halls, and festivals. Her versatility as both a saxophonist and vocalist allows her to explore a wide range of musical styles, from traditional jazz to the infectious grooves of funk, Motown, and disco.
Among her notable projects is Funky Princess, an ensemble blending jazz, funk, and soul. Her collaboration with saxophonist Rémi Bolduc has also played an important role in her musical journey, including a concert that received an Opus Award for Jazz Concert of the Year in 2021.
Chantel is also a member of Le Bolduc Groove Quintet, led by saxophonist and composer Rémi Bolduc. The group has performed at several major events, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2025 and Festi Jazz Mont-Tremblant in 2026. Their album, released in April 2026 and featuring eight original compositions by Rémi Bolduc, received a nomination at the 2026 ADISQ Awards in the “Album of the Year – Jazz” category.
More recently, Chantel joined Les Voix du souffle, a new project led by Rémi Bolduc featuring four saxophonists and a drummer. Without piano, guitar, or bass, the ensemble explores the full range of the saxophone’s sound through rich harmonies, rhythmic textures, and creative musical exchanges. This unique project highlights the expressive possibilities of the instrument, as well as the creativity and musical connection between the musicians.
Whether performing original jazz compositions, classic standards, or energetic soul and funk arrangements, Chantel brings her distinctive tenor saxophone sound, musical sensitivity, and genuine love of sharing music with audiences to every performance.
Formerly known as Chantal De Villiers, she now performs under the name Chantel De Villiers. A Montreal-based tenor saxophonist and vocalist, Chantel is known for her warm, rich sound, expressive playing, and passion for jazz, funk, and soul music. Her musical style draws inspiration from legendary saxophonists such as Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Scott Hamilton, Stan Getz, Eddie Harris, and Gene Ammons.
Throughout her career, Chantel has been involved in numerous musical projects, performing in jazz clubs, concert halls, and festivals. Her versatility as both a saxophonist and vocalist allows her to explore a wide range of musical styles, from traditional jazz to the infectious grooves of funk, Motown, and disco.
Among her notable projects is Funky Princess, an ensemble blending jazz, funk, and soul. Her collaboration with saxophonist Rémi Bolduc has also played an important role in her musical journey, including a concert that received an Opus Award for Jazz Concert of the Year in 2021.
Chantel is also a member of Le Bolduc Groove Quintet, led by saxophonist and composer Rémi Bolduc. The group has performed at several major events, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2025 and Festi Jazz Mont-Tremblant in 2026. Their album, released in April 2026 and featuring eight original compositions by Rémi Bolduc, received a nomination at the 2026 ADISQ Awards in the “Album of the Year – Jazz” category.
More recently, Chantel joined Les Voix du souffle, a new project led by Rémi Bolduc featuring four saxophonists and a drummer. Without piano, guitar, or bass, the ensemble explores the full range of the saxophone’s sound through rich harmonies, rhythmic textures, and creative musical exchanges. This unique project highlights the expressive possibilities of the instrument, as well as the creativity and musical connection between the musicians.
Whether performing original jazz compositions, classic standards, or energetic soul and funk arrangements, Chantel brings her distinctive tenor saxophone sound, musical sensitivity, and genuine love of sharing music with audiences to every performance.
Valérie Gassien
