BIO
Paris-born, New York-based, self-taught jazz pianist Jean-Michel Pilc is one of the foremost improvisers, composers and pianists in jazz today. Pilc served as Harry Belafonte’s musical director and pianist, and has worked with an eclectic mix of jazz greats including Roy Haynes, Kenny Garrett, Michael Brecker, the Mingus Big Band and Mingus Dynasty, John Abercrombie, Lenny White and many others. A resident of New York since 1995, Pilc first made his mark leading his acclaimed trio with bassist François Moutin and drummer Ari Hoenig (now regrouped under the band name Pilc Moutin Hoenig). In addition to numerous works for trio and big band, he also authored a Trio Sonata with support from Chamber Music America’s New Works Program and, most recently, “Modern Lights,” a composition reflecting Charlie Chaplin’s work, premiered at the Caramoor Jazz Festival in 2009. Some of Pilc’s best-known recordings over the past fifteen years include The Jean-Michel Pilc Trio:
Together – Live at Sweet Basil, Volumes 1 & 2 (2000); Live at Iridium (2005) and True Story (2010). Additionally, Pilc is the subject of John McCormick’s 2009 documentary film, “Jean-Michel Pilc – A Portrait.” Essential is his first recording for Motéma Music. In addition to solo projects, Pilc Moutin Hoenig Trio and composing, Pilc is also a NYU Steinhardt faculty member and teaches at The New School in NYC.