Search - Martial Solal :: Ny1

The Algerian-born, Paris-based pianist Martial Solal has been a beacon of Parisian jazz since the '40s when he played with Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt, and Don Byas. He performed his first gig in the Big Apple at the legendary Village Vanguard in 2001. Unfortunately, the gig opened one week after September 11th. Undaunted, Solal went on with the show. This CD is a recording of that event, featuring the pianist in a trio setting with French bassist Francois Moutin and American drummer Bill Stewart. Stylistically, Solal's pianisms ring with touches of Duke Ellington's dark harmonies, Thelonious Monk's quirky phrases, and Cecil Taylor's melodic ideas. Solal turns American pop standards like "Body and Soul" and "What is This Thing Called Love?" on their heads with his angular, jaunty melodic lines and kaleidoscopic trio interplay. --Eugene Holley, Jr.