[Dixielandjazz] A fine player - info please

[Tony Pringle]

Hi,

Jean-Francois Bonnel and his wife used to play with the Hot Antic 
Jazz band based in southern France. Jean-Francois was an incredibly 
talented clarinet and sax player. His wife, Virginie, played alto sax.

In the 1980 the Black Eagles played alongside the Hot Antics in 
Edinburgh and Friday Harbor. We also hosted them a number of times in 
and around Boston. Together the bands performed arrangements from the 
book of Joe Oliver's Dixie Syncopators. I especially remember having 
a rehearsal with them in Edinburgh and realised that the small 
audience included Humphrey Lyttleton and Buck Clayton. That was a bit 
frightening.

The last time they played with us was in Boston and it was apparent 
that Jean-Francois was moving towards a more modern style of playing.

Michel Bastide, the leader of the Hot Antic Jazz Band, might be a 
useful source for more up to date information.

Best,

Tony Pringle
-- 
Leader, New Black Eagle Jazz Band
Phone: (978) 562-5048
Email: tony at blackeagles.com