Jacques Helmus is a French saxophonist and composer whose work bridges modal jazz, lyrical improvisation and a distinctly European sensibility. His musical language is rooted in breath, space and resonance, combining compositional clarity with openness and depth.

Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with major figures of the European and international jazz scene, including Alan Stivell, Bill Dobbins, André Manoukian, John Taylor, Erik Truffaz, Manu Katché, Adam Nussbaum and Steve Swallow.

He also appeared in the film Round Midnight, directed by Bertrand Tavernier, alongside Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams.

Throughout these collaborations, Jacques Helmus has developed a musical identity shaped by the European modal tradition, openness to transatlantic dialogue and a continuous search for tonal depth.

With HÆLICS, he now concentrates this trajectory into an evolving contemporary ensemble format. Conceived as an artist-led project, HÆLICS allows for changing formations while maintaining a coherent aesthetic direction. The project represents a new phase in Helmus’ artistic development, currently expanding across Europe (2026–2027).