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Sylvain Beuf is a saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist born on April 6, 1964, in Paris, widely recognized as one of the leading figures in French jazz.
With a career spanning more than three decades, he has collaborated with some of the greatest names in French and European jazz, establishing a personal, expressive style deeply rooted in the tradition of swing and improvisation.
A classical training turned toward jazz
He began studying classical saxophone at the Conservatoire d’Orsay under André Beun and Daniel Petitjean.
Drawn by the freedom of jazz, he continued his training at the CIM School, studying with Jean-Claude Forenbach, Claude Tissandier, Charles Schneider, Xavier Cobo, and Philippe Maté.
He furthered his theoretical knowledge under Pierre Lantier and Bernard Maury, deepening his understanding of harmony and composition.
A remarkable rise in the 1980s
In 1987, Sylvain Beuf caught the attention of Martial Solal, René Urtreger, and Gérard Badini.
This recognition marked a decisive turning point in his career: he joined several Parisian big bands and collaborated with artists such as Georges Brown, François Chassagnite, Michel Perez, and Hervé Sellin.
Award-winning recognition
In 1993, he released his debut album, Impro Primo (with Bojan Z, Stéphane Huchard, and Christophe Wallemme), which was acclaimed by critics.
This first release earned him the Django Reinhardt Prize for Best French Jazz Musician and the Django d’Or for Best Debut Album.
In 2000, he received the Victoire de la Musique award in the Young Talent category, confirming his place among the leading artists of his generation.
A rich and eclectic career
For over thirty years, Sylvain Beuf has developed a prolific body of work, blending original compositions and prestigious collaborations.
His refined and expressive writing flourishes across a wide range of ensembles — from intimate trios to vocal octets — revealing the full depth of his musical universe.
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.
Selected discography
His discography reflects his creative diversity, with more than 12 albums as a leader and over thirty as a sideman. Among his most notable recordings:
➤ 2024 – Long Distance (Trebim Music)
➤ 2023 – Asta (Bonsaï Records)
➤ 2021 – Time Feel (Bonsaï Records)
➤ 2019 – Passers of Time (Bonsaï Records)
➤ 2015 – Plénitude (Impro Primo Records)
➤ 2015 – Triple Entente (Trebim Music)
➤ 2000 – Trio (Naïve)
➤ 1993 – Impro Primo (RDC Records)
Both inventive and demanding, Sylvain Beuf embodies the artisanal precision and sonic pursuit that unite exceptional artists.
His career stands among the great names of French jazz, where tradition, emotion, and innovation intertwine.
