Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Jean-Michel Pilc | “True Story”

Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine ~

Jean-Michel Pilc

“True Story”

(www.jmpilc.com)

Jean-Michel Pilc is the kind of player who has transcended the connection he has with his instrument.  When he plays, he is playing the Music, not the piano.  And the music he hears is both beautiful and challenging.  His technical ability on the piano is truly astounding, although it takes you a while to realize this fact because he does not care to impress, rather he cares for the art inherent in his every moment.  I admit, this CD did not leave such a deep and indelible impression upon first listen.  It was when I watched the documentary on Pilc and really got to WATCH him play and hear him speak about music that I realized what was really happening here.

In short, Jean-Michel lives every musical moment in that place we all aspire to touch occasionally through our music.  Where every interaction comes from the inside out and your only boundary is your imagination.

This trio recording features a new group for Jean-Michel with Billy Hart on drums and Boris Kozlov on bass.  If you are familiar with these luminaries, than you already know what to expect.  Fantastic music, other-worldy musical conversations and the kind of moments we all wish for… Not just occasionally but at every turn.  This is high-art captured digitally.

Admittedly, this is the kind of music I believe best observed LIVE but I strongly suggest listening to Jean-Michel Pilc as soon as possible.