Together: Live at Sweet Basil [Live]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
At the vaunted New York venue Sweet Basil in 1999, the French pianist Jean-Michel Pilc announces the full idiosyncrasy of his blustering, almost rococo style at the very outset with a rumbling, off-kilter, not-so-softly played rendition of "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise." Pilc has been compared to Bud Powell, and that's apt, because both have raw, attacking virtuosity that would appear oddball if it didn't make sense unto itself. Pilc profits from muscular, quick-shifting rhythm-section support. Drummer Ari Hoenig matches him for vigor, certainly, and busily helps to convert a genteel standard like "Tea for Two" into something more like "Grande Bouffe for Many." They admirably freshen the Duke Ellington chestnut "C Jam Blues." When the clattering sheets of piano-drum percussion clear, François Moutin's touch on bass impresses. Interpreting standards like "My Foolish Heart," Pilc clearly isn't hearing the unsung lyrics like a native speaker. However, he frolics right over the pitfall of sounding odd to listeners well-versed in those lyrics. And, on the four originals and one free-for-all improvisation, he has a blast. --Peter Monaghan

Together: Live at Sweet Basil,Jean-Michel Pilc Trio,Challenge,Jazz,Jazz Music,Piano,Pop

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