Martial Solal – Improvise Pour France Musique

Martial Solal – Improvise Pour France Musique

A masterclass in spontaneous creativity, this recording captures Martial Solal in a free-flowing, live improvisational setting for French radio. Known for his wit, harmonic sophistication, and unpredictable phrasing, Solal moves effortlessly between jazz standards, original compositions, and playful reinterpretations.

The album showcases his unique ability to deconstruct familiar material—standards like Round Midnight, Take the “A” Train, and Cheek to Cheek are reshaped through inventive reharmonisation, rhythmic shifts, and moments of spontaneous humour. At the same time, original pieces and tributes, such as Hommage à Tex Avery, highlight his cinematic imagination and sharp musical storytelling.

Solal’s playing is both technically dazzling and intellectually engaging, yet never detached. His improvisations feel conversational—constantly evolving, full of unexpected turns, and grounded in deep knowledge of the jazz tradition. The intimate recording setting allows every nuance of touch and timing to come through clearly.

Blending virtuosity with imagination, Improvise Pour France Musique is an essential document of one of Europe’s most inventive jazz pianists at work in his natural element.

Tracklist:

Disc 1
1 – Just You, Just Me
2 – Don’t Blame Me
3 – L’ami Rémy est affaré
4 – Ballade
5 – Cheek to Cheek
6 – Round Midnight
7 – Ah non!
8 – Woodin’ You
9 – Cuivre à la mer
10 – Tout va très bien Madame la marquise

Disc 2
1 – Somebody Loves Me
2 – A Night in Tunisia
3 – Hommage à Tex Avery
4 – Tea for Two
5 – Lover Man
6 – Cumparsita
7 – Darn That Dream
8 – Take the “A” Train
9 – I Can’t Get Started
10 – Corcovado