Olivier Franc Jazz Quintet to highlight the French Spring Festival

Olivier Franc (soprano saxophone), is the son of René Franc, clarinetist of the Pierre Braslavsky's band and of the André Réwéliotty's orchestra who played with Sidney Bechet.

Olivier Franc began his career in the 1970's. In 1979, he was awarded the Prix Sidney Bechet by the French Académie du Jazz. Well established in the classic jazz scene, the music critics called him Sidney Bechet’s best disciple and in 1997, he was rewarded with the Prix du Musicien Français from the Hot Club de France for his live CD Swing Folies. Olivier Franc offers a new and personal music while remaining faithful to the spirit and style of Sidney Bechet. Since 2006, he has had the privilege of playing the saxophone that formerly belonged to Sidney Bechet.

To pay tribute to the music of his Master and to one of the greatest jazz musicians, Olivier Franc together with a true “All Star Band”, composed of Paris-based musicians: his son Jean-Baptiste Franc (piano), Benoît de Flamesnil (trombone), Gilles Chevaucherie (double bass) and with the possibility of having as a special guest, Daniel Sidney Bechet (drums).

The band’s repertoire consists of Sidney Bechet’s compositions, in addition to some great jazz standards and to their own compositions which make their performance a unique and unforgettable experience!