Jean-Michel Charbonnel discovered Jazz, electric bass and double bass in the Jazz and Orchestra workshops of the Dreux Conservatory; while he learned the clarinet there. He obtained a Master’s degree in Musicology at the Sorbonne, he followed internships, took private lessons, while multiplying engagements as a bassist in Jazz bands and dance orchestras.
He met Didier Lockwood in 1997 and in 2003, Jean-Michel continued his training at the CMDL (Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood) from where he graduated (with honors). He then participated in the projects of Charlier/Sourisse (4 albums), Jean-Marie Ecay Trio (2 albums), Guy Marchand (3 albums), Jean-Jacques Milteau (albums and tours), and was hired in 2010 in the group of Eddy Louis, a true legend of French Jazz, with whom he played in all his formations (from trio to large orchestra), all over France.
During this period, he collaborated with Didier Lockwood, Billy Cobham, Stanislas, André Manoukian, Sansévérino… Between 1998 and 2014, he recorded four albums as a leader, including two with the American saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi. Jean-Michel participated in many studio projects as a bassist, double bassist, and sometimes arranger and musical director (Studio des Egreffins with André Charlier and Benoît Sourisse, Studio 4A Sound Factory, Studio de la Grande Armée, Davout, etc…).
Main bass and double bass teacher at CMDL since 2014, he is passionate about teaching and takes part in courses and masterclasses in France and abroad.