Manhu Roche

French drummer Manhu Roche, born in 1958, studied jazz with his brother, guitarist Philippe Roche, and developed his musicianship alongside Michel Petrucciani and drummer Tox Drohard. He moved to Italy in 1982, working there for fourteen years. Returning to France in 1996, he joined Petrucciani’s Graffiti Quartet and subsequently performed with the pianist in groups including bassist Detlev Beier and saxophonist Steve Grossman, touring with him until 1999.

His collaborators include Pharoah Sanders, Chet Baker, Benny Golson, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor and Richard Galliano. His touring has taken him through Europe, Africa and Asia. In 2005, he led a project bringing thirty Cambodian drummers together with his trio, featuring Stefano Cantini and Luc Fenoli. He has contributed to more than sixty recordings and taught in Rome and Siena, as well as through masterclasses and workshops.