Richard Galliano French composer and performer Date of Birth: 12.12.1950 Country: France

1. Richard Galliano, the Accordion Master
2. Early Life and Education
3. Jazz Awakening and Influences
4. The Paris Years and Collaborations
5. Jazz Collaborations and Experimentation
6. "Le Festival de Nuits de Perlamoutre" and Return to Roots
7. "New Musette" and International Recognition
8. Global Collaborations and Innovation
9. Classical Explorations and Soaring Reputation
10. Education and Legacy
11. Tribute to Nino Rota

Richard Galliano, the Accordion Master

Richard Galliano, a virtuoso French accordionist, is widely known as the "sacred monster" of jazz accordion in France. His mastery of all varieties of the instrument has earned him worldwide acclaim.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 12, 1950, in Cannes, France, Galliano's passion for the accordion ignited at the tender age of four under the tutelage of his father, Lucien Galliano, an Italian-born accordion teacher. He furthered his musical education at the Nice Conservatory, studying harmony, counterpoint, and trombone.

Jazz Awakening and Influences

At age 14, Galliano's encounter with the music of Clifford Brown sparked his love for jazz. As he immersed himself in the genre, he discovered the absence of accordion in its repertoire. This realization fueled his exploration of Brazilian accordionists (Sivuca, Dominguinhos) and American and Italian masters (Tommy Gumina, Ernie Felice, Felice Fugazza, Volpi, Fancelli).

The Paris Years and Collaborations

In 1973, Galliano moved to Paris, where he crossed paths with Claude Nougaro. The ensuing three years as the band's arranger, conductor, and composer exposed him to authentic jazz. He also participated in numerous recording sessions with renowned artists (Barbara, Serge Reggiani, Charles Aznavour, Juliette Gréco) and film scores.

Jazz Collaborations and Experimentation

Throughout the 1980s, Galliano collaborated with a diverse array of jazz musicians. He experimented with improvisation alongside Chet Baker (Brazilian repertoire), Steve Potts, Jimmy Gourley, Toots Thielemans, cellist Jean-Charles Capon (his first recording partner), Ron Carter (with whom he recorded a duo in 1990), and many others.

"Le Festival de Nuits de Perlamoutre" and Return to Roots

In 1988, Galliano founded the renowned "Festival de Nuits de Perlamoutre" in Tulle, serving as its artistic director for five years (1988-1992). Inspired by Astor Piazzolla, whom he met in 1983, Galliano rediscovered his roots in 1991 by embracing the traditional waltz musette, jive, and tango repertoire.

"New Musette" and International Recognition

With performances alongside Aldo Romano, Pierre Michelot, and Philippe Catherine, Galliano's bold "New Musette" (Blue Label) manifesto earned him the Django Reinhardt Jazz Academy Award in 1993 and the title of "Musician of the Year" in France. A series of albums followed, showcasing Galliano's signature blend of accessibility, accordion freedom, virtuoso jazz phrasing, and open musical exploration.

Global Collaborations and Innovation

Galliano's reputation as a global collaborator soared. He engaged in duets with unusual instruments, such as those played by Enrico Rava, Charlie Haden, Michel Portal ("Blow Up" became a major commercial success in 1997, selling over 100,000 copies), his compatriot Antonello Salis (Italy), and organist Eddy Louiss (2001). Galliano also performed in a trio with Daniel Humair and Jean-François Jenny-Clarke (1993-1998), later reviving the format in 2004 with New Yorkers Larry Grenadier and Clarence Penn. He collaborated with artists such as Jan Garbarek, Martial Solal, Hermeto Pascoal, Anouar Brahem, Paolo Fresu, Jan Lundgren, and Gary Burton.

Classical Explorations and Soaring Reputation

In 1999, Galliano performed his own compositions alongside Astor Piazzolla's works with a chamber orchestra. In 2003, he paid tribute to his mentor with "Piazzolla Forever." Renowned for his versatility, Galliano expresses his artistry in various contexts, from solo ("Paris Concert" at the Chatelet, released in 2009) to big band (with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra in 2008). As an esteemed soloist, Galliano continues to explore a wide range of music, embracing lyricism in ballads like "Love Day" with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Charlie Haden, and Mino Cinelu.

Education and Legacy

Sharing his vast experience, Galliano collaborated with his father, Lucien, on a method for learning accordion, which earned the 2009 SACEM Prize as the best educational book. In 2010, he signed an exclusive recording contract with Universal Deutsche Grammophon and released an album dedicated to Bach (becoming a classical bestseller with 40,000 copies sold).

Tribute to Nino Rota

In 2011, Galliano's album celebrating the music of Nino Rota, the legendary Italian film composer, showcased his versatility. With soprano saxophonist John Surman, he interpreted renowned jazz melodies such as La Dolce Vita, Amarcord, La Strada, and The Godfather. Galliano fulfilled a childhood dream by playing trombone solo on the album's opening track.