In 2006, a Gypsy violin, a Gypsy guitar, and a jazz double bass came together to form the Clair de Lune trio. All three, medalists from conservatories, Jean-Christophe Gairard, Jérémie Schacre, and Nicolas Koedinger, blend their classical, swing, flamenco, and jazz influences to interpret or create a repertoire with the sounds of Central and Eastern Europe.
As both conveyors of forgotten melodies, living interpreters of a rich and composite cultural heritage, and composers in their own right, these three musicians form a close-knit trio, transmitting their blended universes to the audience and curious ears.
Their technical, human, and stage qualities are recognized; as a trio, they quickly secured opening acts for festivals featuring artists such as Les Yeux Noirs, Biréli Lagrène, Eric Luther, Opus 4, or Les Doigts de l'Homme. They have also welcomed artists like Daniel Givonne, Tchavolo Schmitt, or Tcha Limberger into their trio.
Enriched by encounters, they collaborate, create, play, and record other artistic projects. From a string fanfare with Aälma di luna (a joint tour with Aälma Dili in late 2013 in the Paris region) to more intimate and vocal atmospheres with Nova Zora, and collaborating in a quartet with accordionist Andreï Tasnicenco (Sîrba Express), Clair de Lune trio embarks on new human and musical experiences each time.
They blend their identities and musical peculiarities, ensuring the longevity of the trio and their love for these ever-evolving contemporary music styles. A musical fragrance from the North Mediterranean...
- Jean-Christophe Gairard: violin, viola, vocals
- Jérémie Schacre: guitar
- Nicolas Koedinger: double bass
About the musicians
Jérémie Schacre. Gold medalist in classical guitar and chamber music from the Conservatoire of Aix-en-Provence, Jérémie has always been passionate about improvised music. Influenced by Django Reinhardt's style and his flamenco training under the guidance of master Juan Carmona, he, along with his violinist friend Jean-Christophe Gairard, founded the Clair de Lune trio specializing in Balkan music, particularly from Romania. From musical discoveries to traditional initiations, he self-taught himself in world music: fado and rebetiko (with the Greek singer Kalliroi Raouzeou's project); Romani and Bulgarian songs (with the Nova Zora ensemble); Russian music (with the Tchatchoski group); flamenco and Gypsy songs (with the Gypsy singer Negrita and the group Chico et les Gypsies). More information here.
Nicolas Koedinger. He started playing the electric bass at the age of fifteen, self-taught. A year later, he joined the jazz class at the Marignane conservatory, directed by Yves Laplane. In 1998, he continued his education at the IMFP (Institut Musical Formation Professionnelle), studying alongside professors such as Gérard Maurin, André Villegier, Michel Zénino, etc. He took his first steps with the double bass, studied functional and modal harmony, improvisation, and developed a passion for composition. Captivated by his new instrument and its role in an orchestra, he had a real revelation listening to double bassists like Charles Mingus, Oscar Pettiford, and Scott La-Faro, who became his main influences. In 2007, Nicolas presented his own compositions to the jury of the National Conservatory of Marseille and unanimously received a gold medal. Throughout his journey, he collaborated with renowned jazz musicians such as the American saxophonist-flutist Abdu Salim, violinist Didier Lockwood, guitarist Tchavolo Schmitt, drummers Cédrick Bec and Christian "Tonton" Salut.