Record Reviews

MARTIAL SOLAL ~ TRIANGLE JMS 076 (Barcode: 3383001867429) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is an album by French Jazz pianist / composer Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio format with an American rhythm section, comprising of bassist Mark JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Solal and one is co-composed by Johnson and Erskine. Solal, born in Algeria to a Jewish family, settled in Paris in 1950 and quickly became one of the most prominent French Jazz figures, recording dozens of albums as a leader and co-leader and developing the French Jazz piano school. He died in 2024, leaving behind a tremendous legacy, which is an important part of the European Jazz heritage. He moved gradually from the traditional Jazz roots towards modernism, but did not cross the line into Free Jazz, remaining always close to melodic, although highly complex and intellectually challenging Jazz elegance. This album beautifully exemplifies his brilliant ability both as a pianist and composer, and offers a wonderful display of modern European Jazz, with a distinct French fragrance. The American rhythm section supports him respectfully and amicably, bravely performing the quirky rhythm changes. Solal, as usually, performs beautifully and his grace brings a big smile on the listener’s face. Overall, this is a wonderful Jazz piano trio recording, full of beautiful melodies and highly sophisticated performances, which is a sublime pleasure to listen to. This is European Jazz at its absolute finest, and the music, although recorded three decades ago, it still fresh and vibrant. A must in any serious European Jazz record collection.

Updated: 25/09/2025Posted: 25/09/2025

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