The band
Olivier Franc – Soprano Saxophone
⭐️ One of the world’s leading interpreters of Sidney Bechet’s music, awarded the Prix Sidney Bechet by the Académie du Jazz.
⭐️ Performs on Sidney Bechet’s original soprano saxophone since 2006.
Olivier Franc, a brilliant saxophonist and the acknowledged heir to Sidney Bechet, has been captivating audiences worldwide since the 1970s. Son of clarinetist René Franc, he founded his own ensemble in 1976 and went on to receive major honors, including the Sidney Bechet Prize from the Académie du Jazz and multiple awards from the Hot Club de France. Recognized internationally as Bechet’s foremost disciple, he has performed alongside Wynton Marsalis at Jazz in Marciac 2009 & 2022. Since 2006, he has had the rare privilege of playing Bechet’s personal saxophone, offering both faithful interpretations and original compositions. His acclaimed performances at venues such as the Olympia in Paris and Victoria Hall in Geneva have earned him standing ovations.
Jean-Baptiste Franc – Stride Piano
⭐️ Nicknamed “Little Fats” by Al Casey, world champion of stride piano (2018, University of Mississippi).
⭐️ Praised by Junior Mance and Monty Alexander for his 1st CD recorded with Count Basie’s drummer Duffy Jackson.
⭐️ Hot Club de France Award: Best Piano CD released on the Black and Blue label (2022)
⭐️ Renowned expert of Harlem Stride Piano, iconic jazz style of 1920s New York Recognized for his stage presence, musical refinement, and expressive touch
Jean-Baptiste is available for live performances – having him on stage is a real asset!
You can book him solo or with the full band.
Watch the french tv interview
Amaïdy Mevegue – Double Bass
⭐️ Raised on Cameroonian rhythms (Makossa, Bikutsi) and African-American music (Jazz, Soul, Funk)
⭐️ Regular performer in French jazz venues and festivals alongside notable swing musicians.
Benoît de Flamesnil – Trombone
⭐️ Long-time collaborator with Olivier Franc in traditional jazz ensembles.
⭐️ known for his melodic improvisational approach. Influenced by masters of the 1930s and ’40s (Brown, Morton, Dickenson...)
Schaël Michanol – Drums
⭐️ Born in Martinique, he has studied jazz in the U.S in New Orleans and Iowa Wesleyan He developed a style that blends Caribbean groove with improvisations.
⭐️ Back in Paris, he continued his training at ATLA and has performed with multiple traditional jazz ensembles across France.
⭐️ Skilled in classic jazz drumming, driving the band’s swing feel and dynamics.