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Michel Denis

French drummer, born in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris (France) 1st May 1941 Influenced by drummers Sam Woodyard and Sonny Payne, he played with the "Roman Dixieland Jazz Band" (1961) and became known by playing with trumpeter Bill Coleman and saxophonist Michel De Villers (1964), saxophonist Dominique Chanson (1965-66), "Swing Limited Co.", violinist "Stuff" Smith, trumpeter Rex Stewart, pianist Earl Hines and saxophonist Don Byas (tour in 1965). Then for eighteen years he accompanied the pianist and singer Memphis Slim with whom he recorded. During this period he took lessons with drummer Philly Joe JONES (1969) and also played with saxophonists Paul Gonsalves and Johnny Griffin (1970). He also played with some bluesmen: guitarists and singers T. Bone Walker, "Big Joe" Williams and John Lee Hooker (1971). He was a member of the vibraphonist Dany Doriz's septet from 1970 to 1974 and in 1978, and later in the Harlem Jazz, directed by pianist François Rilhac (1981). He then toured with violinist Peter Compo (1991) and worked in France with Dany Doriz and organist "Wild Bill" Davis with whom he recorded under the name of "Trio 3 D". From 1990 he was a member of the trio of the pianist Philippe Milanta who accompanied the singer Spanky Wilson. He is still active, particularly with the group "Clarinet unlimited" led by the clarinettist Michel Mardiguian, whose last recording was made in February 2013.