Son of Françoise Hardy and Jacques Dutronc, Thomas had all the predispositions to become the artist of today. However, talent is not directly transmitted, his pugnacity and personal qualities are undeniable to make the difference.
Six studio albums, including a collaboration with his father, three live albums, several film scores, numerous guest appearances, and an unconditional love for gypsy jazz make Thomas Dutronc a man apart. Quirky, he surrounds himself with musicians, each more talented than the last, and the live adaptation of his latest effort, "Il n'Est Jamais Trop Tard," is truly worth the detour. A musical journey with festive sounds that can be found at the festival. Cognac Blues Passions Friday, July 4, 2025, at 19 p.m. on the Blues Paradise stage. The artist is talented, and the man is all the more likeable. Diego was able to meet him once again to talk music and Cognac.
INTERVIEW
Diego : You performed in Jarnac as part of Blues Passions in 2019. Are you excited about returning to the Blues Paradise stage as a headliner?
Thomas : I remember this performance by the water well! I'm happy to come back because the name "Cognac" smells good! We like mineral water but this city represents a lot of things because I know a luthier there who built some instruments for me! Maurice Dupont is a specialist in gypsy guitars, he will be with us on July 4th!
Thomas : I remember this performance by the water well! I'm happy to come back because the name "Cognac" smells good! We like mineral water but this city represents a lot of things because I know a luthier there who built some instruments for me! Maurice Dupont is a specialist in gypsy guitars, he will be with us on July 4th!
Diego : Us too! What's the difference between a festival setlist and a classic concert setlist on your tour?
Thomas : We adapt to give energy and the setlists generally depend on the time allowed. I remember playing at Vieilles Charrues before The Cure and Muse, I had to be in shape to give the best of myself! In any case, we don't forget the guitar solos to surprise the audience.
Thomas : We adapt to give energy and the setlists generally depend on the time allowed. I remember playing at Vieilles Charrues before The Cure and Muse, I had to be in shape to give the best of myself! In any case, we don't forget the guitar solos to surprise the audience.
Diego : On the other hand, you're surrounded by incredible musicians! You could almost sit and watch them play?
Thomas : Absolutely! It plays and grooves very well!
Thomas : Absolutely! It plays and grooves very well!
Diego : And your concert is divided into three phases?
Thomas : Yes. First, we present catchy pop pieces mainly from my latest album. Then, a jazz-gypsy section and finally a pop-rock mix that doesn't forget the festive side to get the crowd on their feet.
Thomas : Yes. First, we present catchy pop pieces mainly from my latest album. Then, a jazz-gypsy section and finally a pop-rock mix that doesn't forget the festive side to get the crowd on their feet.
Diego : In Cognac, the crowd is already standing!
Thomas : So much the better, the spectators will want to dance!
Thomas : So much the better, the spectators will want to dance!
Diego : Why did you choose the song “Des Ronds dans l'Eau” by Françoise Hardy from 1967 to pay tribute to her?
Thomas : Like when I play Django Reinhardt, it's difficult to choose a title and there is no "good song." A career and a passion cannot be summed up in 4 minutes. Moreover, the piano-vocals with Eric allow for some very beautiful chords on this song.
Thomas : Like when I play Django Reinhardt, it's difficult to choose a title and there is no "good song." A career and a passion cannot be summed up in 4 minutes. Moreover, the piano-vocals with Eric allow for some very beautiful chords on this song.
Diego : Then you continue with “Aragon” which has an unstoppable rhythm?
Thomas : It's the start of the third part of the concert and this atmosphere should be felt in Cognac!
Thomas : It's the start of the third part of the concert and this atmosphere should be felt in Cognac!
Diego : I'm sure of it! Is David Chiron your most valuable collaborator?
Thomas : They are all precious! David's composition skills have grown over the course of my albums. In "Il n'Est Jamais Trop Tard," released last September, David skillfully handled some of the melodies. I really like "Larguer les Amours," which he composed. We've known each other for a long time, as we were at university together!
Thomas : They are all precious! David's composition skills have grown over the course of my albums. In "Il n'Est Jamais Trop Tard," released last September, David skillfully handled some of the melodies. I really like "Larguer les Amours," which he composed. We've known each other for a long time, as we were at university together!
Diego : In terms of calories, the tours aren't too difficult?
Thomas : I operate the opposite way to people on vacation! On tour I enjoy it, and on vacation I'm on a diet!
Thomas : I operate the opposite way to people on vacation! On tour I enjoy it, and on vacation I'm on a diet!
Diego : What is your first concert as a spectator?
Thomas : Except for Alain Souchon and Eddy Mitchell, whom I regularly saw in concert at the Olympia with my mother, my first "alone" concert was the Straycats. I like music that plays, takes risks, and puts itself in danger. Just like disco and Motown at a certain time. One of the greatest virtuosos remains Chopin.
Thomas : Except for Alain Souchon and Eddy Mitchell, whom I regularly saw in concert at the Olympia with my mother, my first "alone" concert was the Straycats. I like music that plays, takes risks, and puts itself in danger. Just like disco and Motown at a certain time. One of the greatest virtuosos remains Chopin.
Diego : Coming back to Cognac and Charentes Maritimes, do you know the region well?
Thomas : I know a little about it because I have a musician friend, Xavier Richardeau, who is from Charentes. He is a jazzman who plays in a Caribbean-style quintet and sextet. I really liked his drummer, who is now deceased. As for the cognac, it is strong but very good.
Thomas : I know a little about it because I have a musician friend, Xavier Richardeau, who is from Charentes. He is a jazzman who plays in a Caribbean-style quintet and sextet. I really liked his drummer, who is now deceased. As for the cognac, it is strong but very good.
Diego : In moderation! What are your recording plans after this tour?
Thomas : My goal is to consider what's next during this tour. Usually, we have the "album, tour, rest, compose" rhythm. This time, I'm going to work from September and find time to record and compose. Maybe a "Frenchy 2" album or a tribute to my mother. To be continued, nothing has been decided. I've always been surprised by my mother's success in the United States; a 45 rpm record is due to be re-released in French soon for "Record Store Day."
Thomas : My goal is to consider what's next during this tour. Usually, we have the "album, tour, rest, compose" rhythm. This time, I'm going to work from September and find time to record and compose. Maybe a "Frenchy 2" album or a tribute to my mother. To be continued, nothing has been decided. I've always been surprised by my mother's success in the United States; a 45 rpm record is due to be re-released in French soon for "Record Store Day."
Diego : And how is your father, Jacques Dutronc?
Thomas : He's taking care of his new cats, I haven't seen him in a while, I miss him.
Thomas : He's taking care of his new cats, I haven't seen him in a while, I miss him.
Diego : Finally, have any recent artists surprised you in concert?
Thomas : Yes, I saw accordionist Marc Berthomiaux in concert at the Sunset in Paris. He worked with André Charlier and Benoît Sourisse, who are an exceptional duo. These artists allow you to experience incredible moments in small Parisian clubs that you won't find in other capitals.
Thomas : Yes, I saw accordionist Marc Berthomiaux in concert at the Sunset in Paris. He worked with André Charlier and Benoît Sourisse, who are an exceptional duo. These artists allow you to experience incredible moments in small Parisian clubs that you won't find in other capitals.
Diego : Thanks Thomas, see you on July 4th at Cognac Blues Passions!
Thomas : See you soon !
