René "Challain" Ferret

René “Challain” Ferret, also known as “Challun” Ferret (1914-1996), was a French guitarist known for his contributions to gypsy jazz and musette music. He was considered the “honorary fourth brother” of the renowned Ferret guitarists: Pierre Joseph “Baro,” Etienne “Sarane,” and Jean Pierre “Matelo” Ferret. René played rhythm guitar in the late 1930s alongside Gus Viseur (“Swing Valse,” “It Had to Be You”) and with the Quintette du Hot Club de France.

Together with Matelo, Baro Ferret, and bassist Maurice Speilleux, René formed Le Trio Ferret. The trio recorded several tracks in Paris in 1938/39, including “Ma Théo,” “Gin Gin,” and “La Valse des Niglos.” René also collaborated with saxophonist Albert Ferreri in 1938, resulting in recordings such as “Andalusí” and “Exactamente como tú.”

In February 1948, René performed at the Nice Jazz Festival alongside Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. He also participated in subsequent studio recordings for the Swing label in Paris, including the notable “Oh, Lady Be Good.”

During the 1950s, René accompanied accordionist André Verchuren and violinist Yoska Nemeth. After getting married, he relocated to Midi and continued performing locally. In the 1980s, he formed a jazz band called Django Jazz. René’s son, Paul “Challain” Ferret, is also a guitarist and has collaborated with Christian Escoudé. René “Challain” Ferret’s contributions to gypsy jazz and musette continue to be celebrated as part of the rich legacy of the Ferret family.