Michel Petrucciani - Live at the Village Vanguard (Concord/Blue Note, 1984)

This post is by Dan

Michel Petrucciani (p); Palle Danielsson (b); Eliot Zigmund (d)

Recorded March 16, 1984

It may seem incredible that a 21-year-old French pianist would even be allowed to play at The Village Vanguard, much less perform an astonishing recital of jazz standards and originals as leader of a premier trio. But Michel Petrucciani was already several albums into a busy performing and recording career that lasted until his death in 1999 at the age of 36.

Throughout the 1980s, he recorded prolifically for the Owl label, Blue Note Records, and later for Dreyfus Jazz. He adopted saxophonist Charles Lloyd as his mentor and was responsible for a resurgence in Lloyd's career that continues to the present. 

Aside from Petrucciani's poignant human-interest story, which includes his well-chronicled genetic disease and resulting physical challenges, the music speaks for itself. It's clear that Bill Evans is a primary influence on Petrucciani's approach to phrasing and dynamics. That's a positive, just as it is for almost every pianist in jazz since the 1960s. But Petrucciani is able to channel Evans' influence into a highly individual style. Technically, he is all over the keyboard and seems able to play effortlessly whatever enters his mind. On the Vanguard set, he displays huge energy on tunes like "Three Forgotten Magic Words," which clocks in at 8:56. He is beautifully lyrical on "To Erlinda" and "Say It Again and Again." two of his best compositions. And his version of Monk's "'Round Midnight," which closes the album, is stately and elegant. What a clever arrangement to end a terrific set!

The recording first appeared as a 2-LP set on The George Wein Collection, distributed by Concord Records. While I enjoyed the LPs for many years, I find the 2002 CD reissue to be more satisfying. The mastering at 24/96 is excellent, and I don't have to turn records over. Mentally, I can sit in my seat at the Vanguard 38 years ago and enjoy a 70-minute set of exquisite jazz! Such is the miracle of recorded music.

In addition to the care taken with the master tapes, Mitchell Feldman's liner notes written for the CD reissue are highly informative about the music and the artist. I especially admire the story of Petrucciani's first trip to New York and his journey to California to meet Lloyd. Michel Petrucciani's music and life story are both tremendously inspiring.