Back in France, where he was now accompanying Catherine Sauvage and Charles Aznavour, he perfected the fun style he used to mess around with while at the Paris Conservatoire, which consisted in ad-libbing works by classical composers to the swing and beat of the latest jazz numbers.
Bach, with his pure and, at first sight rather strait-laced lines, was the perfect target. But gradually, the composer's skill in counterpoint plus the full wealth and diversity of his melodies that offered so much in the way of improvisation turned the undergraduate joke into a genuine revelation.
His natural affinity and points of convergence with the music of Jean Sebastien Bach persuaded Jacques Loussier to start out on his new musical adventure : in 1959, he formed his first Play Bach Trio, with Christian Garros on drums and Pierre Michelot playing double-bass.
The venture was a resounding success : 15 years of tours, 6 million records sold and several gold disc awards in France and abroad.
Jacques Loussier's reputation as a musical phenomenon was now firmly established.