Montreal jazz band, fusion. It was founded in 1976 by Michel Cusson, guitarist (b. Drummondville, Que, 22 January 1957), and other musicians. It was formed at St-Euzebe in Que on 14 August 1976. The band took the name Eusebe-Jazz and moved to Montreal shortly after. Cusson had already been joined by Jean St-Jacques, the drummer, and Alain Caron, the bassist (b St Eloi, Que, May 1955), and St-Jacques was succeeded by Sylvain Coutu. Coutu was replaced in 1980 by Paul Brochu (b Quebec City, 5 Apr 1958). UZEB was finished by a keyboard/synthesizer musician until 1987. This included Stephan Montanaro (Jeff Fisher), Michel Cyr and St-Jacques, the former drummer. After 1987, it continued as a trio with Cusson Caron, Brochu, and Brochu. UZEB’s members have also been studio musicians throughout their history. The band accompanied Diane Tell (and Claude Dubois) on tour in 1982 and 1980, respectively. UZEB was a pop star in Quebec in the 1980s. They won Felix awards in 1984 and 1989 for group of the Year (in competition against pop and rock bands), as well as jazz album of year in 1983 and 1984. It performed on many provincial (and some national) tours and culminated in concerts at PDA 1989 and 1991. This honor was not given by the festival to Oliver Jones or Oscar Peterson among Canadian musicians. UZEB was awarded the FIJM’s Prix Oscar-Peterson in 1991. UZEB’s success and unique blend of technology and instrumental technique has made them a popular choice for young Quebec musicians. This has also contributed to the increased popularity of fusion in Quebec during the past decade. UZEB’s European debut was made at the Bracknell Jazz Festival (England), where it recorded its first live album. UZEB’s French popularity grew from a 1983 appearance at Festival de Jazz de Paris to LPs recorded at the Olympia in Paris by the band and Didier Lockwood, a French violinist. UZEB has also been seen throughout Europe, and in 1990, toured the Far East. However, UZEB’s US appearances have been very rare. The eight albums 1981-8, which were recorded for Montreal’s Paroles et musique, had sold more than 200,000 worldwide by 1989. This is a record for a Canadian jazz band. UZEB’s most loved compositions include Junk Funk and Smiles and Chuckles. Mile ‘O, 60 rue des Lombardes and Spider are some of the most well-known. Compilation 1982-1988 was a folio of 16 UZEB songs published by Editions UZEB/Editions Luna Mars in 1989. from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
