Jacques Loussier Trio
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Jacques Loussier, Pierre Michelot, Christian Garros |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Jazz renditions of European classical music albums |
The Jacques Loussier Trio was a renowned French Third Stream jazz piano trio led by pianist Jacques Loussier, distinguished for its jazz renditions of European classical music. They gained widespread recognition under the nickname "le trio Play Bach," inspired by their initial LP releases.
Established in 1959 by Loussier alongside bassist Pierre Michelot and percussionist Christian Garros, the ensemble primarily transformed Baroque music, with a special focus on compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as pieces by Antonio Vivaldi and other composers, into their distinctive musical approach.
Despite achieving commercial acclaim, the trio encountered disapproval from traditional jazz enthusiasts. Their 1966 tour of Germany was marked by official support highlighting their role in fostering cultural ties between France and Germany.
In 1985, Loussier revived the group featuring percussionist André Arpino and double-bassist Vincent Charbonnier, with Benoit Dunoyer de Segonzac succeeding Charbonnier in 1997.
Selected discography
- 2014: Concertos pour violon no 1 et no 2 (Naxos CD 8.573200)
- 2006: Bach: The Brandenburgs (Telarc CD-83644)
- 2005: Mozart Piano Concertos 20/23 (Telarc CD-83628)
- 2004: Impressions of Chopin's Nocturnes (Telarc CD-83602)
- 2003: Beethoven: Allegretto from Symphony No. 7 (Telarc CD-83580)
- 2002: Handel: Water Music & Royal Fireworks (Telarc CD 83544)
- 2001: Baroque Favorites. Jazz Improvisations (Telarc CD 83516)
- 2000: Play Bach No. 1–5 (Decca)
- 2000: Plays Debussy (Telarc CD 83511)
- 2000: Bach's Goldberg Variations (Telarc CD 83479)
- 1999: Ravel's Bolero (Telarc CD 83466)
- 1998: Satie (Telarc CD 83431)
- 1997: Jacques Loussier Plays Vivaldi (Telarc CD 83417)
- 1995: Jacques Loussier Plays Bach, compilation (Telarc; Note Productions)
- 1994–1993: Play Bach Aujourd'hui Les Thèmes en Ré / Play Bach 93 Volumes 1 & 2 (Note Productions)
- 1990: Lumières, Messe baroque du XXIe siècle (Decca CD 425217-2)
- 1988: The Greatest Bach Partita No.1 & Orchestral Suite No. 2 (Limelight; Decca)
- 1987–1986: Bach to Bach / Live in Japan / Lumières "Messe Baroque du XXIe siècle" (Start; King Records; Note Productions)
- 1985: The Best of Play Bach (Start STL6)
- 1982–1979: Pagan Moon / Pulsion sous la mer / Pulsion (CBS; Decca)
- 1974: Jacques Loussier et le Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / In Concert at the Royal Festival Hall (Decca; Philips)
- 1973–1972: Jacques Loussier Trio "6 Master Pieces" / Dark of the Sun (Philips; MGM)
- 1965–1960: Play Bach series Nos. 1–5 and Play Bach aux Champs-Élysées (Decca)
- 1962: Jacques Loussier Joue Kurt Weill (RCA)