Jimmy Gourley (1926-2008) was an American guitarist who left his mark on the history of jazz, particularly in France, his country of exile, where he exerted a considerable influence. He began playing in Chicago jazz clubs in the 1940s, where he was noticed for his talent and originality. In 1951, Jimmy Gourley embarked for Paris, where he found a dynamic and welcoming jazz scene. He played in some of the capital's most famous clubs, including Tabou, Club Saint-Germain and Blue Note. A pillar of the Paris jazz scene, he extended his international reputation, collaborating with a host of French and American musicians, including Henri Renaud, René Urtreger, Eddy Louiss, Daniel Humair and Barney Wilen, as well as Kenny Clarke, Lou Bennett, Stan Getz, Lester Young and Duke Ellington, to name but a few. Rolande Gourley has pieced together a life of jazz, with its highs and lows, its incredible contributions and exchanges, from an inestimable wealth of documents and personal accounts: photos, drawings, press cuttings and correspondence. 240 pages book, in French.
Augustin BONDOUX / Patrick FRÉMEAUX

240 PAGES