Search - Jean Michel Pilc :: True Story

True Story

David Conklin | Albuquerque, NM USA | 07/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jazz fans have enjoyed an exemplary crop of new piano-featured recordings the past year or so, and this CD is right up there with the best of them. Jean-Michel Pilc's earlier work (at least that which I've heard) is impressive, creative stuff and features a good deal of rambunctious, pyrotechnic virtuosity. WELCOME HOME (2001)--a very fine CD-- is a good example. TRUE STORY, while maintaining some of this style and adventuresome spirit is, overall, a quieter, more reflective work. Here, Pilc has new trio partners, which likely accounts for some of the difference; perhaps maturity is another factor. Regardless, this may be Pilc's best, most satisfying work to date. Drummer Billy Hart always seems a strong asset in any group, and his work in this setting is exceptionally varied, yet always "in the pocket" (i.e., never over-bearing). This is my first exposure to bassist Boris Kozlov, who, although primarily in a supporting role, displays a nice assortment of techniques and interacts keenly with the others. Most of the 15 highly-varied tracks on this 69 minute disc are Pilc originals--and the Frenchman is a notably-skilled jazz composer. One of the year's best.

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