Jacky Terrasson Quartet

Nobody reconfigures the core modernist repertoire with such daring and panache as the French/American pianist Jacky Terrasson. He is an exhilarating musician, one of those who play their public straight to euphoria. His music simultaneously challenges and rewards an audience.

Jacky has never stopped dazzling us with his minimalist, energetic music. At times he employs extreme-dynamics brinkmanship, figuring out how music can intensify while growing ever quieter.

If we were to describe his playing, we would compare Terrasson to Bud Powell for his carefully controlled velocity on the piano keys, to Ahmad Jamal for his sense of phrasing, but also acknowledge the influence of the great French composers Ravel and Debussy… from which he has created his own style, subtle and fresh, played with facility and ease.

It’s hard not to hear a hint of mischief, or at least gleeful rib-poking in. Terrasson’s unfailingly exuberant playing, however Jacky also has a sublime sense of space. His band works with him to let it swell and draw the listener in as he enlivens his music with sleek improvisations, rhythmic fluidity and an impeccable touch – all of which have become hallmarks to his singular sound. He also ignites a rapport with his band mates that favors memorable and importantly meaningful musical dialogue over callow pyrotechnics. 

His stylistic twists and turns may be a little dizzying (in a good way) but the prospect of a live show is mouth-watering!