Marcel Azzola one of France’s most famous accordionists, passed away peacefully on January 21st at the age of 91. Born in Paris in 1927 of Italian parents, Azzola showed an aptitude for music and accordion from an early age, and from 1938 he was playing professionally.

Azzola was one of the few players who bridged the gap between the great age of musette and jazz in the 1930s and the present time, and was a contemporary of Yvette Horner, who passed away last year. He was a versatile and highly accomplished musician, whose range encompassed musette, tango, classical, and jazz and swing music.

He performed and recorded with Edith Piaf, Juliette Greco, Gilbert Becaud, Yves Montand, saxophonist Stan Getz, harmonica player Toots Thielemans, Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, and, most notably, Jacques Brel. Azzola also played on several movie soundtracks, including Jacques Tati’s ‘Mon Oncle’.

Marcel Azzola was highly regarded by his peers, and well-liked by all who knew him. His long-time partner was the pianist Lina Bossati, (pictured above right) who was his accompanist.