Jean-François Quiévreux, known professionally as Jef Gilson, was born on July 25, 1926, in Guebwiller, France, was a pianist, arranger, composer, big band conductor, and sound engineer. He started as a classical clarinetist before switching to piano in 1947 and collaborating with Claude Luter and Boris Vian during the Occupation. Gilson's shift from New Orleans-style jazz to bebop, influenced by Dizzy Gillespie’s big band, marked his breakthrough. In 1963, he formed various big bands, launching the careers of musicians like Bill Coleman and Jean-Luc Ponty. Notable albums include Œil Vision (1964) and New Call from France (1966). Gilson managed a small recording studio, Kiosque d'Orphée, and was a critic for Jazz Hot magazine from 1962 to 1966. His work with ethno-jazz and free jazz led him to found the Palm label in 1973. His album Europamerica (1977) won the Prix Boris Vian in 1978. Gilson continued teaching harmony at the Centre d'informations musicales until his death on February 5, 2012.
