Etienne “Sarane” Ferret, the second of the famous Ferret brothers, was a distinguished Gypsy jazz guitarist. Hailing from Rouen, the family later settled in Paris. Sarane initially played the banjo in musette orchestras, most notably alongside the renowned accordionist Guérino.
With his guitar, Sarane performed in Gypsy orchestras throughout Paris’ vibrant nightlife. In 1931, he encountered Django Reinhardt, which led him to transform his repertoire to jazz, captivated by Django’s music. Sarane further adapted jazz with “swing-musette,” collaborating with his brother Baro, accordionists Gus Viseur and Tony Murena, and violinist Michel Warlop.
In 1939, Sarane had engagements in London. In 1941, the “Swing Quintette de Paris” was formed, occasionally featuring Django’s brothers: Matelo on guitar and later Baro on guitar as well, along with Maurice Speilleux on bass, Pierre Fouad on rhythm, André Luis and Sylvio Siobud on clarinet. Eventually, both clarinetists were replaced by violinist Robert Bermosa.
After a hiatus, Sarane played with numerous exceptional jazz musicians in the Paris region, including guitarist Jacques Montagne and violinist Georges Effrosse. In 1947, he returned with “Le Quintette de Paris.”
Several recordings of the group exist under the Fremeaux label.
Discography:
1942: Sarane Ferret Et Le Quintette De Paris* – Studio 28 / Sex-Appeal (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon Cover of Swing 39 / Cocktail-Swing (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon Cover of Lucky / Folies-Bergere (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon Cover of Tiger Rag / Deux Guitares (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon 1941 Cover of Blue Guitar / Septembre (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon 1941 Cover of Swing Star / Miami 2 versions Odeon 1941 Cover of Daphné / Hungaria (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon 1942 Cover of Surprise-Party / Royal Blue} Sarane Ferret Et Le Swing Quintette De Paris Avec Le Violoniste Georges Effrosse – Surprise-Party / Royal Blue (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) Odeon 1942
