The Hot Antic Jazz Band formed in Nimes, France in 1979 and is inspired by the Chicago and New York jazz music from the 1920 and 30’s. The influences of Cladys ”Jabbo” Smith, Clarence Williams, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington are evident in their jazz style and repertoire.  

Led by Michel Bastide, the band is widely regarded as Europe’s hottest and purest traditional jazz group.

The eclectic group demonstrates their musical abilities on a total of nineteen instruments with enthusiasm and humor. They are not shy to international attention with extensive worldwide touring, television and radio appearances. In 1983 they received BBC Radio Scotland’s Best Band Award. In 1985, they were awarded the Prix Sydney Bechet at the Academie du Jazz in Paris.

The Hot Antic Jazz Band has performed with jazz legends including; Jabbo Smith, Benny Waters, Claude Luter, Ikey Robinson, Topsy Chapman, Hal Smith and Daniel Huck. The group has produced over 20 recordings. The Hot Antic Jazz Band’s prominence in traditional jazz led to two historic recordings with Jabbo Smith, “Zoo” and “Jabbo Smith & the Hot Antic Jazz Band”, and one with Benny Water. “Benny Waters & the Hot Antic Jazz Band.”

The band now consists of six members from France, Morocco and Switzerland and has toured in the United States, Canada, India, Japan, Africa, and Europe.


Michel Bastide – Cornet, Trombone, Vocal
Bernard Antherieu – Clarinet, Alto-Sax, Banjo, Vocal
Philippe Raspail – Tenor-Sax, Alto-Sax, Clarinet, Vocal
Martin Seck – Piano
Jean-Pierre Dubois – Banjo, Clarinet, Trombone, Vocal
Christian Lefevre – Tuba, Trombone, Crooner

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