Jean-Marie Salhani, administrator

Jean-Marie Salhani first became a musician by playing bass guitar with a blues-rock group named “Solitude”. He soon developed a genuine interest in music publishing, and learnt the trade with “Editions Chappell”.

In 1975, he founded his own publishing house, specializing in instrumental music. He came into contact with a large number of jazz musicians (e.g. Daniel Humair, Henri Texier, Aldo Romano, Jean-Pierre Mas, François Jeanneau and Christian Escoudé). Before long he was the publisher for the leading figures of France’s new jazz generation, helping develop their reputation. Jean-Marie realized just how important it was to have mechanical formats to “exhibit” his catalog, so set up two recording labels: JMS in 1976 (releasing Amir, by Henri Texier, the album that became a legend), and Cream Records in 1983; he thus found himself propelled into the very small, select circle of independent record labels.
He developed an open esthetic approach, a key and recognizable element being the great care taken, the refined atmosphere, and high standards, but always designed to please the majority (as Aragon said, “elitist for everyone”).

Jean-Marie Salhani is the man behind a large number of outstanding albums. Artists on his label include the violinist Didier Lockwood, who has had a brilliant international career; he made a name for the talented Canadian jazz-rock group, UZEB. There’s Martial Solal, André Ceccarelli, Eric Lelann, Louis Sclavis, Gordon Beck, Joe Zawinul, Mike Stern, and the late Stéphane Grappelli, who all had faith in him. Jean-Marie Salhani is “their” publisher, and he is there with them, ever attentive. “Publishing is my one and only job” was the explanation Jean-Marie Salhani gave a few years ago (interview in “Notes” magazine). “Whatever I do, I always think as a publisher. When I produce a record or concert, my first concern is to present the works of the original artists who have trusted me. And to promote their works, I have to be an active publisher; that means forward planning, being one step ahead of things. And the sole purpose is to have people hear the works, by all possible means and media. Publishing is basically a craft or trade. It means managing everyday affairs for the sole purpose of showing the very best of the artist and his or her work. To do so, you have to be close to the musicians you work with."