François Tusques, born in Paris in 1938, is a pioneering figure in the world of French jazz, renowned for his innovative contributions to free jazz and avant-garde music. As a self-taught pianist, Tusques' early influences ranged from Jelly Roll Morton and Earl Hines to Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, shaping his unique musical style. He played a pivotal role in the emergence of the free jazz movement in France and co-founded the influential Temps Des Cerises record label. His groundbreaking 1965 album, "Free Jazz," predated the American genre of the same name and remains a testament to his avant-garde vision. Tusques' work continues to inspire, blending improvisation and composition in a way that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz.