Born in Nancy in 1995, Etienne Manchon is a young pianist now based between Toulouse and Paris.
Passionate about jazz and contemporary music since his teenage years, he has, by the age of 30, performed over 800 concerts as both a leader and sideman across a wide variety of styles. Drawing on these experiences, Etienne has built a unique artistic world where progressive rock, experimental music, 20th-century classical music, and a strong foundation of jazz all intertwine.

​

Strongly influenced by Pink Floyd, whom he discovered at the age of fifteen, he also draws inspiration from the remarkable pianist and keyboardist Jozef Dumoulin, as well as from the vibrant New York scene (Ben Wendel, Mark Guiliana, Taylor Eigsti). Exploring rhythm as his main playground, Etienne simultaneously develops a keen melodic sense while paying particular attention to sound design.

​

Since 2016, he has been performing his compositions in a piano–double bass–drums trio — sometimes intimate and restrained, sometimes grand and exuberant, yet always presented with humor and depth.

His debut trio album, Elastic Borders, was released in 2019, featuring special guests Pierre de Bethmann, Pierre Lapprand, and Ossian Macary. This first opus was followed in 2022 by Streets, in which he confirmed his talent as a composer and continued to shape his personal sonic universe — earning him a place among the “10 Musicians to Watch in 2023,” according to Jazz Magazine and Jazz News.

​

Following the 2024 release of Huître en Peluche with his explosive octet La Pieuvre Irréfutable, his third trio album Weird Life was released in 2025 to widespread acclaim from major French and European jazz media.

In 2020, he founded the duo Congé Spatial with Pierre Lapprand, which quickly gained momentum and led to the release of their debut album in spring 2023.

​

Alongside his projects as a leader, Etienne has performed with Yves Rousseau, Jean-Marc Padovani, Alban Darche, and Tom Ibarra. He has also worked as artistic director for singer Amandine Bontemps and the turbo-jazz band Bøl.

​

In addition to his work in jazz and contemporary music, Etienne regularly accompanies baroque and classical recitals, performing with baritone Philippe Estèphe, Aude Extrémo (Palazzetto Bru Zane), the choir Les Éléments, Ensemble Calico, and the Dulci Jubilo choir.

​

Etienne is also passionate about composition and arranging for both small and large ensembles, drawing influence from artists such as Kenny Wheeler, Maria Schneider, and Dave Holland. He has written arrangements for the Toulouse-based big band L’Autre Big Band, the Montauban Conservatory, and numerous other projects.