2026 JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR (GROUP) I CODE Quartet | | The JUNO Awards

Comprised of Lex French (trumpet), Christine Jensen (alto and soprano saxophones), Adrian Vedady (bass), and Jim Doxas (drums), Code Quartet unites four of Canada’s leading jazz improvisers and composers. Known for their telepathic interplay and bold storytelling, the group delivers an exciting, diverse soundscape on CODE RED—leaning into blues, swing, and intricate modern forms while showcasing each member’s distinct voice.

 The eight-track album features original works by French, Jensen, and Vedady, with Doxas providing vibrant rhythmic framing throughout. Developed during a 2022 winter residency in the Laurentians, supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the music reflects the group’s shared isolation and creative focus—yielding a sound rich in emotional depth and cohesion.

Jensen, a multi-JUNO Award winner, continues to shape Canadian jazz composition. Vedady and Doxas bring decades of experience performing with icons like Carla Bley, Dave Douglas, Oliver Jones, and Marc Copland. French, a rising voice in Canadian jazz after an acclaimed career in New Zealand, adds bold lyricism to the ensemble. CODE RED stands as a testament to the quartet’s unity—melding distinct identities into a sound defined by passion, precision, and freedom.