Pierre Michelot

After piano lessons, Pierre Michelot, who was already fascinated by black American music, devoted himself entirely to the double bass in the '40s. His first performances date from the mid-40s, during which time he performed with Ralph Schecroun and Jean-Claude Forenbach, among other partners. His reputation on the jazz circuit soon made him one of the most sought-after accompanists on the French scene, particularly for visiting Americans and Europeans. This marked the start of a series of historic encounters, during which Pierre Michelot played with Sidney Bechet, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, John Lewis, Clifford Brown, Martial Solal, Stan Getz, and Miles Davis, whom he accompanied for the first time at Pleyel in 1949 as part of the Paris Festival. Later, in 1957, he took part with Miles Davis in the recording of the soundtrack to Louis Malle's film Ascenseur pour l'échafaud. A musician for all occasions, in the studio and on club and festival stages, he became one of the most popular and sought-after double bassists in France. A musician without frontiers too, he collaborated on the latest works by guitarist Django Reinhardt, as well as on the tributes to J.S. Bach arranged by Jacques Loussier with drummer Christian Garros. His exceptional relationship with drummer Kenny Clarke did not end with the unique rhythm section that could be heard in the most prestigious Parisian clubs of the 50s and 60s. Pierre Michelot also wrote arrangements for him and Chet Baker, and he took over the direction of a large orchestra in the early 60s. In the '80s, Bertrand Tavernier cast him as actor-contrabassist in his cinematic tribute to jazz: Around Midnight. After this, still active and much appreciated by audiences and musicians alike, he appeared on new recordings and tours with Hank Jones, Christian Escoudé, Kenny Washington, Toots Thielemans, and his long-time companion Maurice Vander. A key figure in the jazz world for over 50 years, he reunited with Daniel Humair and René Urtreger at the dawn of 2000 for the recording of a new album.

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