Pierre-Jean Ferret (December 1, 1918 – January 24, 1989), performing as Matelo Ferret, was a French gypsy jazz and musette guitarist and composer from Le Petit-Quevilly. He initially played banjo, violin, and mandola before moving to Paris in 1931, where he met Django Reinhardt. Ferret performed with accordionists Émile Vacher and Guérino. In 1943, Ferret formed a sextet and recorded the session “Jean Ferret et son Sixtette”. He collaborated with Eddie South, Benny Carter, and Michel Warlop. His discography included the album Manouche Partie (1967) and the 1978 double-LP Tziganskaïa, recorded for Charles Delaunay. Ferret incorporated Russian and Romanian elements into his guitar style and recorded four unreleased waltzes by Reinhardt in 1960. He performed with his sons Boulou, Elios, and Michel “Sarane” Ferré. Ferret died of cancer in Paris at age 70.
