Martial Solal - Bluesine (Soul Note, 1983)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Martial Solal (p)

Recorded on January 18 and 19, 1983

Born in Algiers in 1927, French pianist and composer Martial Solal's performance and recording activities are too extensive to summarize respectfully. For every memorable recording, there are dozens of others that also deserve mention. We choose the solo piano album, Bluesine, as our favorite of the decade not because it is representative of Solal's oeuvre, but because it sits as a precious gem in a vast field of accomplishments. Simply put, Bluesine is a perfect jazz performance.

Only three of the nine tracks on the album are composed by Solal. The rest are familiar fare, which Solal interprets in a personal way, neither "far out" nor too far "inside." Each reading offers fresh understanding of the familiar, which is unusual for even the most accomplished jazz musicians. The tracks range in length from 2:47 to 6:00, so there are no Tippett-like or Taylor-esque excursions to absorb. Each tune is carefully proportioned and simply needs to be heard to be appreciated.

Recorded in Giancarlo Barigozzi's Milano studio, Bluesine is graced by warm acoustics and a wonderful piano sound.