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Sylvain Beuf – Saxophonist, Composer, and Major Figure of French Jazz
Born on April 6, 1964, in Paris, Sylvain Beuf is a multi-instrumentalist, saxophonist, and composer who is a key figure in the French jazz scene. With a career spanning over thirty years, he has collaborated with the greatest names in French and European jazz.
A Classical Training Focused on Jazz
He began his studies in classical saxophone at the Conservatoire d'Orsay, with André Beun and Daniel Petitjean, before quickly turning to jazz at the CIM school, where he met influential figures such as Jean-Claude Forenbach, Claude Tissandier, Charles Schneider, Xavier Cobo, and Philippe Maté. He completed his theoretical training by studying harmony with Pierre Lantier and Bernard Maury.
A remarkable rise in the 1980s
He was discovered in 1987 thanks to pianists Martial Solal and René Urtreger, as well as saxophonist Gérard Badini. From that time on, he turned professional, joining several Parisian big bands and playing alongside drummer Georges Brown, trumpeter François Chassagnite, guitarist Michel Perez, and pianist Hervé Sellin.
Awards and Recognition
In 1993, he released his first album, "Impro Primo" (with Bojan Z, Stéphane Huchard, and Christophe Wallemme), which earned him:
➤ The Django Reinhardt Award for Best French Jazz Musician.
➤ The Django d'Or for his debut album.
➤ In 2000, he was awarded the Victoires de la Musique in the Young Talent category.
A Rich and Varied Career
For over 30 years, Sylvain Beuf has built a rich and eclectic discography, combining personal compositions and prestigious collaborations. He has created multiple
groups, ranging from intimate trios to vocal octets, with refined and expressive writing.
He has performed and recorded with:
Martial Solal, René Urtreger, Henri Texier, Richard Galliano, Claude Nougaro, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Didier Lockwood, Michel Legrand, Michel Perez, André Ceccarelli, Eric Le Lann, Franck Amsallem, Bojan Z, Billy Hart, Jean-Michel Pilc, Emmanuel Bex, Diego Imbert, Franck Agulhon, Alex Tassel, Ludovic de Preissac, and many others.
Selective Discography
Among his 12 albums as a leader and over 30 as a sideman, we can highlight:
2024 – Long Distance – Trebim Music (at appear)
2023 – Asta – Bonsaï Records
2021 – Time Feel – Bonsaï Records
2019 – Passers of Time – Bonsaï Records
2015 – Plenitude – Impro Primo Records
2015 – Triple Entente – Trebim Music
2000 – Trio – Naïve
1993 – Impro Primo – RDC Records
