French Chanson Quintet
The French Chanson Quintet honors the illustrious legacy of French jazz, tracing its roots back to the 1934 founding of the Quintette du Hot Club de France by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. Inspired by historic collaborations with American masters and the contributions of modern legends like Michel Sardaby, the ensemble continues the tradition of excellence fostered at iconic venues like Le Caveau de la Huchette, elegantly preserving the timeless French jazz aesthetic for contemporary audiences.
The French Chanson Quintet draws its musical lineage from the rich history of French jazz, most notably the legacy of the Quintette du Hot Club de France. Founded in 1934 by the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, that ensemble was among the first to showcase the guitar as a lead instrument and remains one of the most significant jazz groups in European history. This tradition of excellence was built through collaborations with American masters such as Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter, and later enriched by the contributions of legendary French West Indies pianists like Michel Sardaby and Alain Jean Marie, alongside musicians like cellist Vincent Segal. Since the late 1940s, historic venues like Le Caveau de la Huchette have served as vital centers for this musical exchange, providing the foundation upon which the French Chanson Quintet continues to perform and celebrate the French jazz aesthetic.