jean baptiste franc

A brilliant young stride pianist, in the tradition of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, and always one of the most popular artists at the festival.

An award-winning musician he has a spectacular technique allied to a marvellous sense of swing … and good humour!

He has already had the privilege of playing with Arwell Shaw, Louis Armstrong's bassist, and has received encouragement from Wynton Marsalis and Monty Alexander for his first CD recorded with Count Basie's drummer, Duffy Jackson.

In 2010 he recorded an album of original compositions with Melody Federer in Hollywood, produced by singer Pat Boon. On October 24, 2015, with the orchestra of Daniel Sidney Bechet and his father Olivier Franc, he performed at the Olympia.