b. 23 October 1922 in Epinal, France. 7 September 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Peiffer started playing jazz after completing intensive classical piano training. As a young man, he performed with Hubert Rostaing, Django Reinhardt and other European jazzmen, as well as with visiting Americans like Sidney Bechet, Don Byas, and Rex Stewart. He was well-known in his homeland by the end of the 1940s, both as a leader and soloist. He was persuaded to travel to the USA in the mid-50s. From there, he commuted between Europe and the USA. Peiffer was a highly skilled technician. His solo playing was rich, and at times even florid. Peiffer was forward-thinking despite the influence of swing music in his youth. His repertoire was also composed by him. Stephan Jean-Bernard, his son, compiled an album of home recordings which was released under the title “Formidable …!” in 2006. Allmusic
