Jean-Michel Pilc - Projects

"His densely harmonic reinventions of standards you thought you knew clearly shows a musical genius at work."

Eric Brace,
Washington Post

"Pilc took his place among the most accomplished and stylistically daring jazz pianists working today."

Howard Reich,
Chicago Tribune

"The big discovery in the acoustic field was Jean-Michel Pilc. The pianist, making his debut at the festival,... raced up and down the scales like a madman with his right hand... His sound is majestic, his statements urging. Supported by an equally strong rhythm section it didn't take him much effort to get Carel-Willinck Hall
steaming..."

NRC Handelsblad, reporting on the North Sea Jazz Festival appearance

"I am absolutely stunned by the work of pianist Jean-Michel Pilc... The rhythm section sizzles under (his) leadership"

Bob Dorough

"...make no mistake about it, to his credit, Mr. Pilc is very unique... I would say that this trio starts at Mars, and then goes from there. Don't expect anything resembling conventional interpretations. This is fascinating and rewarding music..."

Rick Helzer,
Jazz Improv

Projects

- New Trio

Jean-Michel Pilc, piano - Boris Kozlov, bass - Billy Hart, drums

Photo © Bill Napoleon

"Music is the universe once again" -Schopenhauer

Music speaks better than words -- but sometimes words, such as Schopenhauer's here, can catch the magic which makes this art form so unique. And magic is the word for Jean-Michel's new trio. Three painters and storytellers who mesmerize their audiences with something that goes far beyond notes and craft.

We won't attempt to define that "something". Suffice to say that the one and only Billy Hart and the amazing Boris Kozlov bring to Jean-Michel's music that sense of freshness, adventure, mystery and excitement which made someone say at one of their recent concerts: "Now I am a different person".

They will take you on a trip which you won't forget and which will, indeed, change you.

-Solo

Photo © Bill Napolean

Jean-Michel's solo playing has evolved a lot in the last couple of years, getting closer to a "composing on the spot" vision which makes each solo concert a totally new and exhilarating adventure. Jean-Michel takes his audience on a trip, full of surprising and fascinating landscapes.

Jean-Michel's solo playing will be prominently featured on a new DVD entitled "Jean-Michel Pilc - A Portrait" to be released in 2008-09, which will also include an extended documentary and previously unreleased concert footage.

About his recent solo performance at Montreal Jazz Festival:
"Pilc gave one of the most dazzling, ingenious and understated performances of the festival."
"Jaw-dropping technique, boundless imagination and effortless mastery."

-Clinics and Masterclasses

Photo © Thomas Dorn

Now teaching classes, workshops and ensembles at NYU and LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY, Jean-Michel finds that communicating his passion for music to younger and talented musicians has become a central part of his artistic life.

His unique take on music, where curiosity, generosity and fusion with other musicians are essential components, leads him to teach his younger colleagues a sense of focus, storytelling and permanent renewal which allows them to see, feel and perform jazz in a totally new light. All of which is perfectly summed up in this quote by Michelle Senlis: "An innocence which, perpetuated, maintains a state of grace of the creation, where things are constantly reinvented."

For more information, contact jmpilcinfo@aol.com.

-Special Projects

*Hoenig Pilc Project

Brothers in music, rhythm twins, partners in crime... it was time for this two brained and multi-limbed creature to lead a musical project of its own. As leaders and composers, Jean-Michel and Ari bring their sense of musical architecture and colors, not to mention their love of innovative rhythms and uncharted territories. As instrumentalists, they create sounds and flows which are always different, fascinating and unique. An exhilarating experience.

Learn more about Ari Hoenig at his site, www.arihoenig.com

*Duo with Kenny Werner

Jean-Michel Pilc's special project, duo with Kenny Werner

No need to introduce the great Kenny Werner. After a highly successful duo concert at Merkin Hall, NYC in December 2005, having experienced so much fun and special moments, Kenny and Jean-Michel decided to turn this one-time event into a long term project.

When two such formidable pianists blend their artistry at the service of music-making, fireworks ensue. An exceptional combination.

Learn more about Kenny Werner at his site, kennywerner.com.