A multi-genre musician from New Orleans who “blends the suavity of Paul Desmond with the intensity of Dave Binney” (Musically Speaking), alto saxophonist Randal Despommier has captivated audiences at venues including Carnegie Hall (Weill), Qintai Concert Hall in China, Lilla Jazzfestivalen in Sweden. In 2021, Despommier released his first album, Dio C’è, on Outside in Music. “Impressive in his debut as leader” (OffBeat), it features his new quartet and Grammy- winning bassist Jimmy Haslip as guest artist and co-producer. A melting pot of “cross-pollinated jazz” ranging from lyrical, transporting originals to imaginative reinventions of a popular Italian film ballad, the album presents “wildly ambitious, genre-mashing recordings that speak to Despommier’s wide-ranging influences” (AllMusic). His second album, A Midsummer Odyssey, is Despommier’s first release on Sunnyside Records. Featuring renowned avant-jazz guitarist Ben Monder, the album earned Despommier a nomination of “best contemporary jazz artist” by OffBeat and positive acclaim in DownBeat. His forthcoming New Orleans-roots album South features Crescent City jazz legends Johnny Vidacovich, David Torkanowsky, and James Singleton.