Le Reveillon Jazz Cafe: About Us

About Us

Hi everyone and welcome to the website for "Le Reveillon Jazz Café"… my name is Bob Tinker and I would like to tell you about this venture in South Normandy which was started in 2004.

I have been a professional musician all my working life and after a life changing decision, decided to buy a bar/restaurant in south Normandy close to Mortagne au Perche in a lovely little village called Reveillon.

I spent many years teaching and playing professionally in the South West of England but decided, on seeing the bar here to get away from the monotony of teaching and travelling long distances to play, and instead, to bring our music to this lovely area of the Perche. I ran a be-bop / mainstream band called "The Jazz Prophets" and previously worked extensively in recording and as a touring trumpet player all over the world for many years including four years in the Far East and Japan. I have played at the Vienne Jazz festival for several years with the Truro College Big Band and the idea of moving here became reality in May 2004…… and so to the bar which is run by me and partner Shirley, who is a violinist.

Situated about 4 kms south of Mortagne-au-Perche (D386 to Le Mans) in the village of Reveillon, the bar is called Le Reveillon Jazz Café and is situated in the charming village square opposite a lovely medieval church. I purchased the bar in Dec.2003 and started some re-development work in early January, flitting between appointments in England and trying to reach our opening deadline of April 28th 2004. Things went smoothly and we opened on time with the first concert taking place on May 1st. The music was provided by the Viv Rodd Quintet, with whom I work when time permits, and the evening was a great success. Le Reveillon consists of a bar, restaurant, pension and "sale des concerts" where the jazz evenings take place. A meal is offered when the in-house concerts take place and bookings are by reservation only.

The "pension" is typically French and consists of five comfortable rooms (all priced at 30 euro) 2 doubles and 3 twins…with shared facilities. A substantial continental breakfast is offered at a supplement of 5 euros per person and an evening meal can be supplied though there are numerous small restaurants in the area which cater for all tastes. I have teamed up with some local musicians, both English and French and have organised an in-house band… Le Reveillon Jazz Quintette… which performs jazz on a regular basis and now have a large database of musicians and bands. The Southampton University jazz orchestra, The Helston school jazz orchestra and the Bournemouth University big band have all played here to full houses evening of music and photos and video clips will be posted when compiled. The diaries for each month are posted when confirmed… see our Concert Schedule page We would love to hear from any musicians interested in performing here and welcome competent instrumentalists to our Friday jazz evenings.