The Jacques Loussier Trio - Biography

It was the formation of the Jacques Loussier Play Bach Trio followed by his recording of Bach’s ‘Air on a G String’ for the Hamlet Cigars TV ads some 40 years ago that brought Jacques fame and worldwide recognition. He became the first cross over musician when he combined Bach’s classic works with brilliant jazz improvisations.

For over forty years Mr. Loussier has been a major concert attraction worldwide, and his UK concerts are always hugely popular and very well attended.

His worldwide album sales exceed 6m copies, and all his albums achieve high positions in the classical music charts.

In the past five years the immense interest in Jacques’ music has seen a huge upsurge in his concert and festival appearances. He is in a class of his own, a fact realised by artistic planners, theatre managers and festival directors who realise that the inclusion of the Loussier Trio in any calendar brings a stimulating contrast – and a standing ovation.

Msr. Loussier’s music is unique, is quite, quite exciting, and stands alongside the very best of music in any genre. We could go on and on, but the press reviews endorse our opinion that Jacques Loussier is simply Unique! Brilliant! Exciting! Astonishing!

Andre first started playing at the age of 14 when he joined a touring orchestra working for cabaret.

In 1954 he arrived in Paris and very soon became in great demand for recording sessions, where he accompanied some of the most prominent French stars, e.g. Yves Montand, Charles Aznavour, Mireille Mathieu and Sacha Distel.

During his long career he has providing the backing for the great jazz artistes Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz, amongst a string of many others.

He is a master drummer experienced in all areas of music, and has been called ‘The best all-round percussionist in Europe’.

Critic Simon Goodwin wrote –
“Attention was automatically drawn to Loussier, the legend, but I couldn’t help wondering whether many people in the audience realised that we were also in the presence of one of Europe’s master drummers, Andre Arpino. The man is phenomenal”.

Benoit was born in Strasbourg in 1962 of musical parents, his father being an amateur flautist and clarinettist. His cousin is the celebrated painter Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac.

Benoit began his musical studies at the age of 5 at Strasbourg Conservatoire, covering all aspects of music. He completed his studies on contrabass at the age of 20 under the tutorship of Vincent Pasquier, soloist with the Orchestra of Paris, and Jean Marc Rollez, soloist with the Paris Opera.

Since then he has worked in all areas of music, including jazz with Rene Urtregger, Kenny wheeler and Bobby McFerrin, cabaret with Ute Lemper and Hannah Shygulla and contemporary music with Jean Pierre Arnaud. Benoit is also a composer of merit.

In 1997 Jacques Loussier recognised his talents and incorporated him into the Loussier Trio, a difficult and demanding role which Benoit mastered quickly and with style.