[Dixielandjazz] Le Petit Journal St. Michel in Paris, France

[Gary Kiser]

Barbara,

Les Rois du Foxtrot (The Foxtrot Kings) is a project of cornetist 
Jean-Pierre Morel who is known for leading "Charquet et Co" and "Le 
Petit Jazzband de Mr. Morel". Jean-Pierre has written arrangements that 
would make any band leader envious. He specializes in rare dance band 
tunes that cook in the style of Fletcher Henderson, King Oliver, Bennie 
Moten...

Normally, Scotswoman Shona Taylor plays second cornet, but the bald 
head gives me a clue that she was replaced that evening. I don't 
recognize the cornetist in your clip.

The excellent Patrick Bacqueville is often on trombone, but it looks 
like Pierre Reboud (who I don't know personally) was on the job that 
night.

On reeds, I see Michel Bescont on the far side of the group. Another 
excellent player that replaces our reed man from time to time. Just this 
side of him is probably Marc Bresdin (another that I don't know 
personally). Quite often, they have a third reed in Nicolas Montier who 
is just a giant (an excellent guitar player too). A couple of years back 
when I escorted Allan Vaché in Paris, I took him to see the Paris Swing 
Orchestra. Afterwards, Allan wanted me to introduce him to Nicolas.

On banjo, there was either Nicolas Peslier or Alan Kelly, but I can't 
see in the clip. Both are excellent players. I suspect it was Nicolas as 
Allan had some health issues a couple of years back.

On tuba you had Gérard Gervois who many may know from the Paris 
Washboard group that has made many Stateside jaunts. Of interest, Gérard 
was/is in the original and reformed Anachronic Jazz Band. A wonderful 
two-beat player.

Rounding out the group, you probably had Bernard Thevin on piano and 
Laurence Bridard on drums. I don't know either personally but they have 
fine reputations.

It looks like a good time was had by all. Thanks for sharing the clip.

All the best, Gary



On 2013-09-19 17:57, Barb Jordan wrote:
> Hi there,
> 
> I was going through old emails and saw a discussion on sitting in
> with musicians at trad jazz places in Paris France.
> 
> I thought I would include my experience in 2010 at Le Petit Journal
> St. Michel with the band Les Rois du Foxtrot.
> 
> I approached the guys outside on their break and began conversing
> with them in French.  I told them I was a singer from Canada and asked
> if I could sing a song with them; "After You've Gone" in F.  They said
> that they hadn't played it in a while and weren't sure how good it
> would sound.  I then replied that it was ok if I didn't perform.
> 
> Once they were back playing, they called me up and I sang the song.
> It was flawless.  This band is so good. If you are ever in Paris, do
> go and see them!
> 
> Unbeknownst to me, someone was recording the song and put it on
> YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP8KyZ8Jf18
> 
> 
> Shameless plug!  I will be singing at the Glacier Jazz Stampede in
> Kalispell Montana the weekend of Oct. 4, 5th and 6th this year.
> Barbara Jordan
> Burlington, Ontario, Canada