Pierre Ferret

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Pierre Joseph Ferret (1908 - 1978), nicknamed "Baro" (meaning "Big One" in Romany) was a Gypsy jazz guitarist and composer. Through his brother Matelo Ferret, Baro met Django Reinhardt and the two became both friends and notorious rivals. From 1931, the Ferret brothers were favorite sidemen of Reinhardt and Baro recorded around 80 sides with the great guitarist.

Ferret was credited as one of the guitarists on a recording of the song "H.C.Q. Strut" made on August 25, 1939 in London. He was playing with Reinhardt's Le Quintette du Hot Club de France at the time. Other musicians on the credit included Stéphane Grappelli on violin, Eugéne Vée on guitar and Emmanuel Soudieux on bass. The song was originally released on a Decca 10" LP entitled Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli with the Quintet of the Hot Club of France: "Swing from Paris".

Baro's immaculate guitar technique and improvisational style was at the same level as Reinhardt's, although he is said to have been frustrated at always being considered second-best and retired as a full time musician in 1943. After that he became a successful black market business man.

As a composer, Baro's "valses bebop" style was years ahead of his time. His works such as "La folle", "Swing valse" and "Le Depart de Zorro" are surreal, modernistic and dark.

Pierre had another brother, Louis, known - incorrectly - as Belgian Louis, in London. Louie was a Gold Trader between France and England during the war. Louie's family settled in London England and he is survived by one son Dominic and Daughter Molly.

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