The journey of 5 for Trio began in 2011 when three young music students started experimenting with their compositions in a less-than-ideal space. Their creative explorations led to the EP Génétiquement modifié, followed by their debut album Witness & Reactions in 2014 and then Garder la tension in 2015. Along the way, a memorable encounter with rapper and historian Webster pushed them out of their comfort zone, inspiring a hip-hop album, an EP, and several live shows.

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Then came 2020, along with the global challenges we’re all too familiar with. That sudden, disruptive moment became a turning point: from then on, they refused to rely on anyone else to produce their music. 5 for Trio built their own studios—a dedicated space for recording and rehearsing at Mathieu’s and a mixing and mastering studio at Bib’s. These new facilities allowed them to take their compositions and arrangements to the next level by providing extra creative tools. At the same time, the trio grew into a quartet with Jérémie joining on piano.

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As a four-piece, they meticulously refined every piece and honed their production techniques. They experimented, tweaked, and polished their work until they developed a new discipline and, more importantly, complete artistic independence. Over time, a central figure emerged—the Vieux bougre (roughly translates to old rascal in English). Present since their very first recording in 2013, he remains with them 12 years later.

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That Vieux bougre is something we all carry inside, whether we’re young or old. He’s the part of us that wants to play even when circumstances don’t always allow, the part that ages, takes on responsibilities, gets bogged down, stumbles, makes progress, falls back, and keeps trying. 5 for Trio had that inner spirit when they were fresh-faced graduates, and it still lives within them today, even as they’ve become seasoned professionals in their thirties—fathers, uncles, or partners. He’s ever-present, straddling the line between youth and old age, between freedom and responsibility.

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Today, 5 for Trio gives that spirit a voice and a sound. Vieux bougre is bold, modern jazz driven by over a decade of shared experience and a complete commitment to artistic independence.