Jacques Loussier (born 26 October 1934 in Angers, northwestern France) is a noted pianist and composer. His talent already manifested at age ten, and he began composing music while studying at the Conservatoire National de Musique in Paris under Professor Yves Nat , from age sixteen.

He is well known for his jazz interpretations of many of Johann Sebastian Bach's works, such as the Goldberg variations. This unusual combination was hit upon by Loussier in 1959, and he formed the Play Bach Trio , with himself as pianist, Pierre Michelot as bassist and Christian Garros as percussionist. The group performed these interpretations of Bach's works, and had many live appearances, tours and concerts, as well as a number of recordings. In total, the trio sold over six million albums.

In 1978 the trio broke up, and Loussier set up his own recording studio in Provence where he worked on compositions for acoustic and electric instruments. He also worked together with musicians like Pink Floyd, Elton John, Sting and Yes. Allegedly, parts of the Pink Floyd album The Wall were recorded at his studio.

In 1985 — three hundred years after Bach's birth — he refounded the Play Bach Trio with two new partners, percussionist André Arpino and double-bassist Vincent Charbonnier . Recent recordings include interpretations of compositions by Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Antonio Vivaldi and more. A recording, entitled "Take Bach", made by the trio along with the Pekinel sisters feature adaptations of Bach's concertos for two and three pianos.

External links

• Official website