I'll admit to anyone who asks ... I am a Cirque Du Soleil FANATIC!

I see all the Cirque shows that come to Vancouver, sometimes twice. The mix of live acrobatics, with that patented "Cirque" sound ... both conspire to create an entertainment experience unparalleled in the modern world. I love the Cirque, and I often wonder what it would be like to run away with it ...

J.F. Brissette is one of the lucky few that has lived the dream of running off to join the Cirque. We met originally through macProVideo.com, and slowly started a friendship based around our mutual love for Logic.

Until December of 2008, J.F. held the unique position as the Musical Director of Cirque Du Soliel's "O" in Las Vegas. Before that (in the early 90's) he was deeply involved in the creation of Cirque Du Soleil's "Mystere," a show he was part of for 10 years before moving to "O."

When it comes to computer's and technology, J.F. is a true renaissance man - there's nobody I know (including myself) that is as fanatical about software as J.F.! If a new application comes out, I always ask J.F. his impressions first, because guaranteed, he's used it.

But besides his software skills, J.F.'s musical abilities are legendary. For example, when David Pogue needs an accompanist for his Macworld presentations, he calls on J.F.! But that's not all, here's a list of just a few of J.F.'s accomplishments:

• Was bandleader, musician and programmer for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas from 1993-2008. Performed and conducted for Mystère (1993-2003) and "O" (2003-2009).



• Musician, arranger and producer, started his professional career in 1980 in Montreal.
  
  
• Has conducted orchestras on a few occasions in works by Edward Grieg and Max Bruch and written several string arrangements for songwriter Charlie Lustman (L.A.) and pianist/composer Brigitte Leclerc (Montreal).
  
  
• Has transcribed full arrangements of songs in a variety of genres, including rock, pop and big band. His most ambitious project was the adaptation for synthesizers of arrangements by Axel Stordahl, Nelson Riddle and Don Costa (three of Frank Sinatra's most famous arrangers). That was in the early 90s.
  
  
• Delved into FM synthesis in the mid-80s with the advent of the DX-7. Also became interested in MIDI sequencing and synth programming at that time. First computer used (ca. 1984) was an IBM XT running Voyetra's Sequencer Plus.
  
  
• Plays several instruments besides the bass guitar (his main instrument): classical and acoustic guitars, the Chapman Stick, piano, synths, recorders and mandolin. Also whistles and scats or sings vocal harmonies when the music calls for it.
  
  
• Performed as a multi-instrumentalist and programmer on several occasions, playing bass, keyboards and singing harmonies while triggering and programming sequences.
  
  
• Spent 5 years in L.A. from 1988 through 1992. Studied with Jeff Berlin, Steve Bailey, Gary Willis to name a few. 
  
  
• At the end of 1991, spent 5 months touring, playing and recording with singer/songwriter Charlie Lustman in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  
  
• Caught the Logic bug at version 6 and became Apple Certified in 2008.
  
  
• Uses Sibelius for notation.