Les Rois du Fox-Trot

Biography

Les Rois du Fox-Trot is a French jazz ensemble founded to revive and celebrate the exuberant spirit of the 'Années Folles' (the Roaring Twenties) and the early big band era, focusing on the lively, danceable style known as 'Jazz Hot.' The band was originally led by cornetist, arranger, and jazz historian Jean-Pierre Morel, who assembled a group of ten accomplished musicians to authentically reinterpret the music of jazz pioneers such as Duke Ellington, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Fletcher Henderson. Their repertoire is characterized by lush arrangements, prominent soloists, and a sonic texture featuring lyrical saxophone sections and expressive brass effects, all designed to capture the jubilant and unrestrained energy of early jazz dance bands.[2][4]

Throughout their career, Les Rois du Fox-Trot have performed at jazz festivals, dance events, and concert halls, faithfully recreating the sound and atmosphere of 1920s and 1930s American jazz. The ensemble's lineup has included Jean-Pierre Morel and Shona Taylor on cornets, Patrick Bacqueville on trombone and vocals, Marc Bresdin, Nicolas Montier, and Michel Bescont on saxophones and clarinets, Bernard Thévin on piano, François Fournet on banjo, Gérard Gervois on tuba, and Laurence Bridard on drums. Their performances are noted for their vibrant energy, technical precision, and deep respect for the historical roots of jazz.[2][4][6][7]

Les Rois du Fox-Trot have contributed to the preservation and popularization of early jazz in France and Europe, introducing new audiences to the infectious rhythms and improvisational flair of the genre. Their work stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz as both a musical and social phenomenon, bridging the gap between past and present through meticulous musicianship and passionate performance.

Fun Facts

• Les Rois du Fox-Trot was founded by Jean-Pierre Morel, a noted figure in French jazz known for his work with Charquet & Co and Le Petit Jazz Band de Mr Morel.[2]
• The band specializes in recreating the sound and energy of American jazz dance bands from the 1920s and 1930s, often performing arrangements by Duke Ellington and other jazz greats.[2][4]
• Their performances feature rare period instruments and authentic arrangements, providing audiences with a historically immersive jazz experience.[2]
• The ensemble has performed pieces such as 'Shanghai Shuffle' and 'Red River Blues,' showcasing their commitment to classic jazz repertoire.[6][8]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Duke Ellington, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson - Major stylistic and repertoire influences; the band was formed to pay homage to these jazz pioneers. (Interpretations of classic jazz standards and dance band arrangements from the 1920s–1930s.) [Band inception–present]

Key Collaborators

• Jean-Pierre Morel - Founder, leader, arranger, and cornetist; directed the ensemble and shaped its artistic vision. (Charquet & Co, Le Petit Jazz Band de Mr Morel, Les Rois du Fox-Trot recordings and performances.) [Founding–present]
• Shona Taylor, Patrick Bacqueville, Marc Bresdin, Nicolas Montier, Michel Bescont, Bernard Thévin, François Fournet, Gérard Gervois, Laurence Bridard - Core band members, each contributing their instrumental expertise to the ensemble's sound. (Live performances, festival appearances, and recordings as Les Rois du Fox-Trot.) [Various years since band formation]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary French traditional jazz ensembles - Inspired by Les Rois du Fox-Trot's dedication to historical jazz authenticity and performance style. (Subsequent French jazz bands performing early jazz repertoire.) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Crazy Quilt (We're Forever Blowing Bubbles)
2. T.N.T. (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
3. Land O'Lingo Blues (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
4. Spanish Shawl (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
5. Tampeekoe (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
6. Prince of Wails (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
7. Ace in the Hole (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
8. There's No Gal Like My Gal (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
9. Hot Aire (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)
10. Stomp Off, Let's Go (T.N.T. - A Tribute to Elmer Schoebel)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz