Christian Escoudé

Christian Escoudé, a virtuoso French Gypsy jazz guitarist, left an indelible mark on the jazz world with his soulful playing and prolific discography. Born in 1947 in Angoulême to a family of musicians, Escoudé was immersed in the rich tradition of Gypsy jazz from a young age, with his father, a guitarist and admirer of Django Reinhardt, serving as his primary influence. Escoudé's career spanned over five decades, during which he collaborated with legendary musicians such as John McLaughlin, Charlie Haden, and John Lewis, and released over 50 albums as a leader or featured artist. His compositions, including "A Suite for Gypsies" and "Christian Escoudé joue Brassens," showcase his unique voice and mastery of the guitar. Escoudé's contributions to jazz were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Django Reinhardt Prize from the Académie du Jazz in 1975 and a Victoire d'honneur du Jazz. His passing in 2024 marked the end of an era for Gypsy jazz, but his music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.