CLAUDINE FRANÇOIS
Genres: Post Bop, World Fusion • France

A talented pianist and musician of multitudinous adventures (Don Cherry, Jim Pepper, Jane Bunnett…) Claudine François is a many-faceted artist who, within the expression of her art, incorporates African, Caribbean and African-American post-bop influences without ever renouncing her European roots. After outstanding classical studies followed by a career as a concert pianist and parallel teaching activities (in high schools and workshops for children, adolescents and adults), she turned to improvisation and jazz after being exposed to other influences, notably the memorable performance of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's in Paris. She went on to participate in jazz workshops with Jacques Thollot, Daniel Humair, Henri Texier and Claudine eventually founded a free jazz group. In 1983 she obtained a SACEM prize at the la Défense competition. Claudine composes for theater, dance and has also put out a compilation of her works (publisher: Henry Lemoine). Claudine began touring with the musical show , "Cirque de Barbarie", then with her own groups after being influenced by the American drummer John read more...