Maz

Maz is a prominent ensemble within the 'neo-trad' movement of Quebec, Canada, formed in 2009. Led by Marc Maziade, the group is celebrated for its sophisticated integration of traditional French-Canadian music with modal jazz and progressive rock elements.

Their debut album, Telescope (2011), earned significant critical acclaim, including a Juno nomination, establishing them as innovators who respect the technical demands of traditional fiddling while embracing modern textures. Their follow-up, Chasse-Galerie (2013), deepened this fusion by incorporating more cinematic and trance-inducing elements. The band's sound identity is defined by the interplay between acoustic instruments like the violin and mandolin and electric elements like processed banjo and synthesizers. Culturally, they represent a modern evolution of Quebecois identity, moving beyond the 'pure-trad' revival of the 1970s into a globalized, experimental space. They are frequently compared to other boundary-pushing trad acts like Le Vent du Nord, but Maz is distinguished by their heavier lean into jazz improvisation and atmospheric production.