Henri Renaud


Henri Renaud was a French jazz pianist, record producer, and record company executive.

Biography

His styles reflected the decades when he was musically active: he played in the swing, bebop and cool styles. He developed a reputation internationally when he served as an ensemble-organizing point-man for visiting jazz performers from the United States.
Renaud moved to Paris in 1946 and established a career as a jazz pianist. He joined tenor-saxophonist Jean-Claude Fohrenbach's combo. During 1949 and 1950, he accompanied Don Byas, James Moody, and Roy Eldridge. In 1952, he performed with Lester Young, Sarah Vaughan, and Clifford Brown. Brown made several recordings with Renaud. In 1954, Renaud visited the United States, where he recorded. He made recordings with Milt Jackson, J. J. Johnson, Al Cohn, Oscar Pettiford, Max Roach, Frank Foster, and Bob Brookmeyer.
Upon becoming an executive for the jazz division of CBS France in 1964, he largely stopped his activity as a professional jazz pianist, but did occasional work as a film composer.

Discography

As leader/co-leader

Complete Legendary Saturne Picture Discs New Sound at the "Bœuf Sur Le Toit" Henri Renaud quintet joue Gigi Grice avec Bobby Jaspar – with Gigi Gryce, Bobby JasparBobby Jaspar/Henri Renaud – with Bobby JasparHenri Renaud All Stars Vol. 1 Henri Renaud All Stars Vol. 2 Night Session in Paris – with Zoot SimsHenri Renaud et son orchestre Dance and Mood Music Vol. 8 Blue Cylinder Jeu de l'oie – with Georges Arvanitas, André Ceccarelli

As sideman

With Clifford Brown
With Gigi GryceJazz Time Paris Vol. 10 – with Clifford BrownJazz Time Paris Vol. 11 – with Clifford BrownGigi Gryce Octet
With Zoot SimsQuartet & Sextet Zoot Goes to Town: Jazz Time Paris Vol. 8 Zoot Sims avec Henri Renaud et son orchestre et Jon Eardley – with Jon Eardley
With others