BIOGRAPHY

Born to a musician’s family, Hadrien Féraud, when he was just a child, dreamed of being an actor. A dream that was very strong because he spent hours and hours listening to films soundtracks. Even if he did not realize it, he got to learn without his knowledge, the subtle harmonies of Debussy, - the antechamber of jazz – and the disconcerting sonority of the bow on the string. He was just 12 when his father gave him a Jaco Pastorius recording , " The Birthday Concert ", and told him that this euphonium player was the greatest ever. Hadrien was captivated, and discovered an incredible bass sound, unknown before, and he played that sounds again and again, unable to stop listening to that CD.

Released mars 26 2007
Dreyfus Jazz

He made his decision at once: He must play the way this master does. That was an eye opener, and, 10 years later he has become one of the youngest virtuoso when it comes to electric euphonium in France. We may wonder where this passion of Hadrien for Jaco Pastorius comes from. Why this passion is at once so vigorous. And which secret desirel could drive him to isolate himself in his bedroom for days and days, as he tries to retrieve, as an over gifted autodidact, the wholeness of the strokes of genius that so many talented euphonium players could not imitate. The fact remains that in 1997,he imitated the “most important euphonium player in the world” – auto proclaimed title of Jaco – becoming the one and only creed of  Hadrien Féraud.
By dint of passion for his work, of months spent for a perfect copy, and to retrieve his most carnal modulations, his most intimate phrases, the magical pulsation he knew how to insufflate to his bass, Hadrien was able, in just four years, to become a double of Pastorius. He succeeded in becoming his twin brother, as if he was inside his body.

As soon as he came on stage for the first time, Hadrien was noticed and adopted by Biréli Lagrène, who detected a great potential in Hadrien. The following months will comfort his instinct: Biréli was right ! As proof, at the age of only 22, Hadrien succeeded in placing the strong foundations for a huge musical future. When you listen to his first recording, you can guess he is not going to stop there. You can hear his brilliant virtuosity in every tune. You are sure that he keeps inside him the secret to surprise us. Besides, he broke free from the influence of his master, so he could give his own voice to his instrument, which is the one and only way to find his own way. His sound started seriously when he had the opportunity to meet some prestigious musicians: Sylvain Luc is his adviser and appreciates his musicality. Jean-Marie Ecay is his coach and encourages him . Dominique Di Piazza, is his euphonium brother, and knows how to stimulate and respect him.
In 2007, everything seems to accelerate from this young prodigy. He records two excellent tunes with John McLaughlin , “Senor C.S.” and, of course, “For Jaco” with saxophonist Bill Evans, drummer Mark Mondesir and finger board drummer Gary Husband. McLaughlin, who was delighted that he could be part of his album, and has asked him to join him for his American tour. Chick Corea really loves the lyrical flights and the fluid sonority of Hadrien Féraud, and invites him to record an entire album in trio, with Richie Barshay on drums, intitled “Brooklyn, Paris to Clearwater”.
Hadrien plays bass on John McLaughlin’s “Floating Point”, released in April, 2008 and joins the guitarist for his European tours 2008. He also records an electric album with Bireli Lagrene, which comes out in October 2008.

Without any doubt, electrical euphonium has found his new hero, but also a new herald, who claims a dazzling future for this instrument that everyone now considers as the way it should be.

Olivier Bride