Olivier Franc Trio

Concert from 6PM to 10PM by Olivier Franc Trio.

Le Paris Montparnasse is a French popular restaurant known for its warm atmosphere, welcoming personnel and authentic cuisine.

Reservation is recommended.

Olivier Franc Trio.
Winner of the Académie du Jazz’s Sidney Bechet Prize.
He is one of today's French musicians whose YouTube videos have the most views, with several million views in total – that is, nearly 2,000 views a day.
Recognised worldwide as Sidney Bechet’s finest disciple, as evidenced by his invitation from Wynton Marsalis to perform on the main stage at Jazz in Marciac.

Olivier Franc

Born October 30, 1953.

Son of French clarinetist René Franc.

At a very young age, he learned to play the clarinet and, under the influence of Sidney Bechet, quickly took up the soprano saxophone.

He began playing here and there in 1974, busking in Paris and playing with young French musicians, before eventually forming his own band.

As early as 1976, he formed his first group.

In the early 1980s, he performed with trombonist Patrick Bacqueville, double bassist Gilles Chevaucherie, banjoist Enzo Mucci, and drummer "Gus" Bureau.

His playing, heavily steeped in his idol's style, quickly earned him a reputation as Sidney Bechet's spiritual son. He has become one of the greatest experts—if not the greatest—on Bechet, knowing the finest details of this legendary musician's life and recordings.

Following in his father's footsteps, he received the Prix Sidney Bechet in 1979 and the Prix du Hot Club de France in 1997.

He has since played on Bechet's personal soprano saxophone, which was gifted to him by a patron of the arts.

He still leads a quintet today featuring his own son, Jean-Baptiste, on piano.

He also performs with the group "Sidney Bechet Memories," led by pianist Christian Azzy and double bassist "Totol" Masselier.

Since 2006, he has had the privilege of playing on Sidney Bechet's personal saxophone.

Featuring Jean Baptiste Franc, stride piano world champion at Ole Miss University, Mississippi, USA, and Schaël Groove Michanol on drums.