On the evening of December 8th, 2025, a friend and I wandered the streets of Paris. Trying to decide what to do, my friend suggested the 38Riv. I responded with childlike glee, “Yes, let’s go!” I was so excited to see Paris’ classic jazz venue. Unfortunately, the early show was sold out. To little surprise since the Robin Mansanti Trio was playing. So, we quickly bought tickets and came back to the later show. Check the article from December to read more about this.
The Sultry Sound of a Jazz Trumpeter
Robin Mansanti has been a rising star in the Paris Jazz scene over the last few years. A trumpeter, whose influence and likeness has been aligned with Chet Baker. His sultry, romantic, soft jazz vocals are interspersed with his subtle, melancholic trumpet playing. As we listened to the trio, we became mesmerized by how seamless and connected the trio played various Jazz Standards such a “Just Friends” and “My Funny Valentine”.
A Rising Voice, A Growing Ensemble
Once in the Ville de Paris, the word spread about his musical talent. Arnaud Vial, one of the founders of the France’s Electro Swing group, Caravan Palace, messaged Mansanti. He asked if the young musician was interested in doing vocals for their track, “Moonshine”. He did a trial run. It was a success. So, they called him back for two more. Suddenly, his vocal sound was getting global attention. But his heart and soul yearned to be surrounded by the origins of his classical leanings.
In the early days, Mansanti met and started playing with pianist, Dexter Goldberg, a renowned musician in France’s jazz scene as well. The duo has been a constant through Mansanti’s budding career. During the previously mentioned interval, a dynamic contrabassist, Solene Cairoli, joined the duo. [The December trio mentioned earlier.] Now, the trio has expanded to become a quartet by adding drummer, Jesus Vega. The group has been exploring and gelling their creative styles together. During the end of April, they took some time in a studio session to record some tracks.  They are anticipating an album release for the fall/winter of 2026. Â
From Paris, Back to Tonnerre
Meanwhile, Mansanti has been widening the reach of his jazz voice, carrying it into spaces that celebrate both legacy and experimentation. Fresh off the late April studio session with the quartet, he returned to Sunside/Sunset on May 14th for the Miles Davis Centenary Fête—a fitting stage for an artist already recognized there for his remarkable talent.
Just days later, on May 18th, Mansanti and Solène Cairoli joined illustrator Edmond Baudoin at the Cinéma de Tonnerre du festival international de bande dessinée, bringing jazz into conversation with visual storytelling. Held in Mansanti’s hometown of Tonnerre, France, the event offered more than a performance—it became a return to origin, a reminder that even as his career expands, his roots remain close.
Even with Mansanti’s back-to-back scheduling, he humbly agreed to an interview with SeeChangemakers.
INTERVIEW
S.C.: Robin, you’ve mentioned that in addition to Chet Baker, Miles Davis influenced your music. Can you tell us about the importance and impact of Miles Davis on the culture of the trumpet?
R.S.: It is impossible not to be influenced by Miles Davis; he invented a new way of playing the trumpet, and a new way of conceiving this music, of making the orchestra sound.
He is a genius, one of the most important musicians of the twentieth century.
I remember hearing a lot of songs from the album “Blue Haze” as a child: Old Devil Moon, I’ll Remember April, Four…
There was also a VHS tape with a documentary about Miles that my father had recorded from TV, which retraced his life, it made a big impression on me!
S.C.: Recently, you and your quartet played during the Miles Davis Centenary FĂŞte at Sunset/SunSide on May 14th. Which period was being celebrated and which pieces from that era were featured?
R.S.: I chose pieces he played in the 50s and 60s, titles like “It Never Entered My Mind”, “Four”, “Dear Old Stockholm”, “All Of You…”
S.C.: As a composer, you wrote “I Spend My Days” for your latest album, Nuit American, released in 2023. How many of new tracks will be on your latest album? Also, who will you be playing with?
R.S.: The album will be a quartet recording featuring pianist Dexter Goldberg, bassist Solène Cairoli, and drummerJesus Vega. There will be a mix of original compositions, maybe a third of the album, and songs that I really like, standards!
S.C.: What inspires you to write these melodies?
R.S.: For the composition “I Spend My Days,” the melody came to me while walking in Burgundy. I often find ideas while strolling, which are perhaps better than if I try to compose on the piano!
S.C.: Many musicians claim to have been playing since they were very young. That’s not the case for you. Can you tell us more?
R.S.: Yes, I started at 17 when I discovered Chet Baker, but I’ve always been interested in art; when I was younger, I loved to dance.
There was always jazz at home because my father is a jazz fan; he has many records by Art Pepper, Charlie Parker, and Richie Cole.
S.C.: You have played alongside many exceptional local jazz artists. Looking back on your journey so far, what are your thoughts?
R.S.: I try not to dwell too much on my past and not to look back because I feel I’ve wasted a lot of time.
Despite this, I am fortunate to have played and still play with musicians I have always loved and listened to, such as trumpeter Éric Le Lann, who is by far the greatest French jazz trumpeter in my opinion.
S.C.: This summer, I understand you’ll be playing at the Marciac Jazz Festival. What are you most excited about regarding this event?
R.S.: I am delighted because I will be playing there with my new quartet, Dexter Goldberg on piano, Solène Cairoli on double bass, and Jesus Vega on drums.
S.C.: Finally, what are your plans and objectives for the next two or three years?
R.S.: I absolutely love this band, and I want to play with them as much as possible so the music can keep evolving. The more we play, the better it sounds.
I like playing the same songs night after night, so they take on a new dimension; that interests me much more than writing new compositions. Finding the band’s sound is the most important thing. I want to record more albums with them!
RESOURCES:
Follow Robin Mansanti on Instagram through @robinmansanti
Listen to Nuit Américaine through Spotify or CD purchase.
Read more about the artist at Robin Mansanti’s Website