Eddie Bernard

Edouard Bernard, popularly known as “Eddie” Bernard, was a prominent French swing and modern jazz pianist who was born on February 18, 1927, in France. He started playing the piano at a very young age of five and later had formal classical piano lessons when he was nine years old. His early influences were some of the biggest names in jazz, including Fats Waller, Earl Hines, and Erroll Garner.

Bernard began his career playing in nightclubs in France, where he quickly gained a reputation for his incredible piano skills. He was soon discovered by French jazz musician and composer Henri Renaud, who offered him a spot in his band. Bernard accepted and went on to play with some of the biggest names in French jazz, including saxophonist Don Byas and trumpeter Bill Coleman.

In the 1950s, Bernard became interested in modern jazz and started to incorporate bebop and other modern jazz styles into his playing. He recorded his first album, “Eddie Bernard Trio,” in 1956, which featured bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Christian Garros. The album was critically acclaimed and showcased Bernard’s incredible piano skills and his ability to effortlessly blend swing and modern jazz styles.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Bernard continued to record and perform, becoming one of the most respected jazz pianists in France. He recorded several albums during this period, including “Eddie Bernard Plays Cole Porter,” “Eddie Bernard Trio Plays Duke Ellington,” and “Eddie Bernard Trio Plays Gershwin.” He also collaborated with other jazz musicians, including saxophonist Barney Wilen and drummer Kenny Clarke.

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