Jef Gilson (Sound)

Jean-François Quiévreux (25 July 1926 – 5 February 2012), better known as Jef Gilson, was a French clarinetist, pianist, arranger, vocalist, composer and big band leader. "In the occupation of which he initiated groups" proved Gilson "an excellent grasp of the 'discovery' and the promotion of young talent." Classically trained as a clarinetist, Gilson began playing with Claude Luter in the band of Boris Vian. In 1947 he switched to the piano. He formed a big band in 1963, members of which included, at various stages, Bill Coleman, Bernard Vitet, Ivan Jullien, Michel Portal, Jean-Louis Chautemps, François Jeanneau, Michel Portal, Jean-Luc Ponty, Bernard Lubat, Lloyd Miller and Henri Texier. Woody Shaw and Nathan Davis performed and recorded with the orchestra in spring 1965. In addition, in 1965 he joined the vocal sextet Les Double Six, first as and a member, later as its musical director. Gilson's recordings, on which early compositions with tempo changes (Enfin!,...Read More