Women in French Jazz

Breaking Barriers

While historically male-dominated, French jazz increasingly features women:

Rhoda Scott (b. 1938): American-born organist who made France her home, becoming "L'Organiste aux pieds nus" (The Barefoot Organist)

Sophie Alour (b. 1974): Tenor saxophonist challenging gender stereotypes on a "masculine" instrument

Airelle Besson (b. 1978): Trumpeter and composer creating personal voice in contemporary jazz

Géraldine Laurent (b. 1975): Alto saxophonist bridging tradition and modernity

Anne Paceo (b. 1984): Drummer/composer whose groups explore rock, electronic, and world music influences

Vocalists

French jazz vocalists maintain strong tradition: - Sara Lazarus: Bridging jazz and French chanson - China Moses: Daughter of Dee Dee Bridgewater, creating contemporary soul-jazz - Camille Bertault: Viral sensation whose vocal improvisations match instrumentalists' complexity