Guilhem Flouzat Trio

Biography

Guilhem Flouzat is a French drummer, composer, and songwriter whose career bridges the jazz scenes of Europe and the United States. Born in Paris and the grandson of renowned pianist and organist Henriette Puig-Roget, Flouzat was immersed in music from an early age, influenced by the classical works of Ravel and Poulenc. He initially established himself as a sought-after sideman in Paris before relocating to New York, where he spent seven formative years refining his craft and musical identity.

In New York, Flouzat studied with acclaimed drummers such as Eric Harland, Dan Weiss, Mark Guiliana, and John Riley, experiences that deeply shaped his rhythmic approach and compositional voice. He collaborated with leading jazz artists including Lionel Loueke, Becca Stevens, Steve Wilson, Dave Liebman, Linda Oh, and Gilad Hekselman. Flouzat’s music is noted for its narrative depth, blending cool jazz with influences from both the European classical tradition and the American jazz canon. His trio, often featuring pianist Sullivan Fortner and bassist Desmond White, is celebrated for its sophisticated interpretations of standards, as heard on the album 'A Thing Called Joe,' which has drawn comparisons to classic Prestige Records trio sessions.

Over the past decade, Flouzat has maintained a dual presence on the European and American jazz scenes, working as a leader and sideman with artists such as Youn Sun Nah, Camila Meza, and Seamus Blake. His discography includes the acclaimed debut 'One Way…Or Another,' the portrait-driven 'Portraits,' and the collaborative 'Constant Stranger.' Flouzat’s work is characterized by its lyrical sensibility, inventive arrangements, and a commitment to both tradition and innovation, securing his reputation as a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz.

Fun Facts

• Guilhem Flouzat is the grandson of Henriette Puig-Roget, a distinguished pianist and organist, which gave him early exposure to classical music.
• He wrote the songs for his album 'Turn The Sun To Green' late at night on a neighbor’s piano in Washington Heights, New York.
• Flouzat’s debut album was praised by French jazz journalist Vincent Bessières as 'the best thing to happen to French Jazz in a long time.'
• His trio album 'A Thing Called Joe' was lauded for its classic jazz feel and compared favorably to Red Garland’s iconic Prestige recordings.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Eric Harland - Drum teacher and mentor during New York years (Private study, masterclasses) [2000s–2010s]
• Dan Weiss - Drum teacher and stylistic influence (Private study, workshops) [2000s–2010s]
• Mark Guiliana - Drum teacher and influence on modern jazz drumming (Lessons, clinics) [2000s–2010s]
• John Riley - Drum teacher, influence on technique and jazz tradition (Lessons, clinics) [2000s–2010s]

Key Collaborators

• Sullivan Fortner - Pianist in Guilhem Flouzat Trio, featured on 'A Thing Called Joe' and tours (A Thing Called Joe (2017)) [2010s–present]
• Desmond White - Bassist in Guilhem Flouzat Trio, featured on 'A Thing Called Joe' (A Thing Called Joe (2017)) [2010s–present]
• Isabel Sorling - Vocalist on Flouzat's songwriter album (Turn The Sun To Green (2021)) [2020s]
• Tigran Hamasyan - Duo partner on debut album (One Way…Or Another) [2010]
• Becca Stevens - Vocalist and collaborator on 'Portraits' (Portraits (2015)) [2010s]
• Ben Wendel - Featured musician on 'Portraits' (Portraits (2015)) [2010s]
• Richard Sears - Pianist in 'Constant Stranger' trio (Constant Stranger) [2010s]
• Martin Nevin - Bassist in 'Constant Stranger' trio (Constant Stranger) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Scarecrow (Bottommost)
2. I'm Nice (I'm Nice)
3. Scarecrow (Scarecrow)
4. Sapphire (Bottommost)
5. The Ballad of Juan Manuel (In the Towns)
6. By and By (Constant Stranger)
7. A Presence Known (Constant Stranger)
8. Stone (Bottommost)
9. Bubble (Bottommost)
10. February Rain (Happy Monday)

External Links

• Spotify