Renowned French chef Pierre Gagnaire on his love of jazz

Known for juxtaposing clever flavours and textures, Pierre Gagnaire heads up his eponymous restaurant in
Paris, and is executive chef at Sketch in Mayfair. He has recently collaborated on Perrier-Jouet’s new magazine, Artisans of The Wild. 

When did you first discover jazz music? 

I discovered jazz thanks to my dad. He invited a guitar player to his restaurant every Thursday, who had worked with guitarist Django Reinhardt for many years. 

What is it that you love about jazz? 

It is the music of emotions, sadness and freedom.  

Which artist first got you hooked? 

The American trumpet player and vocalist Chet Baker.

Who do you think is the best jazz musician of all time? 

Pianists Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, saxophonist John Coltrane and trumpet player Miles Davis. 

What are your top three jazz songs? 

My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker, Round Midnight by Thelonius Monk and Sandino by Charlie Haden and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Do you prefer vocal or instrumental? 

Both — it’s like asking which hands do you prefer: the left or the right one. 

Have you ever played a jazz instrument? Which is your favourite? 

I have played different instruments over time — the piano, the accordion and the guitar — but I don’t have a particular favourite.

Which are your favourite jazz venues? 

The Salle Pleyel, a beautiful concert hall in Paris, and the Blue Note in Tokyo. I admire the quality of their sound systems and the beauty of the rooms. 

How do you think jazz has evolved from when you first started listening to it?

Rather like classical music, even if today there are talented people playing it there is more or less a closure after different periods of time. Therefore the jazz of Duke Ellington or of Horace Silver, for example, has nothing
to do with that of Thelonious Monk or of Kenny Clark.

What do you prefer to play your music on? 

A stereo system or on an iPad.

Where do you like to listen to music? 

Usually when I am on holiday, such when I stay at Belle-Île-en-Mer, an island near Brittany.

pierregagnaire.com

How do you think jazz has evolved from when you first started listening to it?

Rather like classical music, even if today there are talented people playing it there is more or less a closure after different periods of time. Therefore the jazz of Duke Ellington or of Horace Silver, for example, has nothing
to do with that of Thelonious Monk or of Kenny Clark.

What do you prefer to play your music on? 

A stereo system or on an iPad.

Where do you like to listen to music? 

Usually when I am on holiday, such when I stay at Belle-Île-en-Mer, an island near Brittany.

pierregagnaire.com