René Thomas is one of my all-time favorite jazz guitarist (and I'm just 19!).
He is one of the few who could tell you (with his guitar!) a story on a theme during 5 or 10 minutes. Listen to the live at Comblain-la-Tour in 1962 when Thomas played "All morning long" : just amazing !
His sound is very special, not similar to the one of other jazz guitarists (even if he also had the classic bar pickup Charlie Christian).
At the very beginning, René Thomas played like Django (in the 40s). When he discovered Jimmy Raney's style listening to Jimmy Gourley in Paris, he found his own way. Musicians said that R+R=T (understand Reinhardt+Raney=Thomas). I have exactly the same point of view : René Thomas gave a new life to Raney's technique and went beyond.
From left to right : Jimmy Gourley, René Thomas, Sacha Distel and Jimmy Raney.
I also apreciate the last recordings of René Thomas, more free-jazz. This album is a must have for all jazz guitar lovers (click on the cover for further details) :