French trombonist Yves Robert is a master of the technique and has a rich imagination. He creates a personal world that transcends jazz, but never falls for fashion. Yves Robert studied trombone and flute at Vichy’s Music Conservatory. Robert quickly made the transition from Dixieland to hard-bop to free jazz early in his career. His reputation grew and he was able to play with some great bands, including Bernard Lubat’s La Compagnie Lubat, Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath, and the Orchestre National de Jazz’s first edition in 1986. His musical talents were revealed later when he started his own projects. Robert started his first bandleader project in 1988 with drummer Aaron Scott and bassist Bruno Chevillon. He ended the trio in 1990 after Scott returned to the U.S., where he was a regular fixture of the McCoy Tyner group. Robert, Philippe Deschepper and Alfred Spirli formed a quartet following his trio. They disbanded mid-decade. Robert formed a quintet in 1997, when Laurent Dehors, saxophonist, replaced Julien Lourau. The other members were guitarist David Chevallier and bassist Helene Barrieree, as well as drummer Cyril Atef. He also formed a trio with Vincent Courtois, cellist, and Atef. Yves Robert is still available to be a valuable sideman in these projects as well as ensembles led Louis Sclavis or Gerard Marais. Allmusic