Olivier Franc Tribute to Bechet Band
Born on Octobre 30th 1953, Olivier Franc, soprano saxophone, is the son of René Franc, clarinettist of the Pierre Braslavsky's band and of the André Réwéliotty's orchestra who played with Sidney Bechet. Olivier Franc began his carrier in the 1970's and since 1976 has led. In 1979, he was awarded the « Prix Sidney Bechet » by the French « Académie du Jazz ». Well established in the classic jazz scene, the music critics called him Sidney Bechet’s best disciple, and in 1997, he was rewarded with the « Prix du Musicien Français » from the « Hot Club de France » for his live CD « Swing Folies ». Olivier Franc offers a new and personal music while remaining faithful to the spirit and style of Sidney Bechet. Since 2006, he has had the privilege of playing the saxophone that formerly belonged to Sidney Bechet.
To pay tribute to the music of his Master and to one of the greatest jazz musicians, Olivier Franc has brought together a true “All Star Band”, composed of Paris-based musicians : his son Jean-Baptiste Franc (piano), Benoît de Flamesnil (trombone), Gilles Chevaucherie (double bass) and with the possibility of having as special guest, Daniel Sidney Bechet (drums). The band’s repertoire consists of Sidney Bechet’s compositions, in addition to some great jazz standards and to their own compositions which make their performance a unique and unforgettable experience! 
Besides Jazz Clubs, Concerts Halls and Jazz Festivals all over Europe (Jazz in Marciac 2009 with the Wynton Marsalis sextet and Bob Wilber), The Olivier Franc Tribute To Bechet Band has also had the chance to play in the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York or the Opera Houses in Frankfurt and Dresden, where their performance was rewarded by standing ovations!
Franc can be found performing aboard the Queen Elizabeth II and the Norway (formally the France) when theses prestigious ships offer jazz cruises. He founded the “Cotton Club” cruise for which he was the artistic director. He performs with the Daniel-Sidney Bechet Jazz Quintet, the Sidney Bechet Memory All stars and the International Trio (Reimer von Essen, clarinet, David Boedinghouse, piano and Trevor Richard, drums).
To find videos of the Olivier Franc Tribute to Bechet Band click on the title of the tunes : New JB (composition of Jean-Bapiste Franc) and Songs of Songs (one of the first, great Sidney Bechet solos).
