French jazz pianist & organist, born June 13, 1931 in Marseille, France, died September 25, 2005

Pianist Georges Arvanitas knew how to blend all styles of piano jazz thanks to his contact with several American jazzmen passing through France (Mezz Mezzrow, Bill Coleman, Don Byas, Buck Clayton, James Moody…) Having become a pillar of the French jazz scene after the war, he performed in mythical Parisian clubs such as Tabou, Club Saint-Germain and the Blue Note before starting to release records under his own name. Throughout his career he would play with an impressive number of renowned jazzmen, while at the same time being heavily involved in variety as a studio musician. He notably played the organ on Gainsbourg’s famous Je T’Aime, Moi Non Plus. Michel Legrand who loved his game would also call upon him for several original soundtracks.
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