Jazz Articles

Misha Piatigorsky: 17 Rooms

by Marcia Hillman
January 14, 2010

A clue to pianist Misha Piatigorsky's 17 Rooms is the title of its opening track, “Open Window"--a window that lets in a breath of fresh air. Joined by bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Ari Hoenig, Piatigorsky offers a mixture of bebop, gospel and classically-based styles that shows off his pianistic and composing abilities. The material is all original with the exception of three selections. As a composer, Piatigorsky is melodic and innovative. He displays a healthy respect ...

Misha Piatigorsky: Aya

by Michael P. Gladstone
September 24, 2007

Pianist/composer Misha Piatigorsky's debut, Uncommon Circumstances (Misha Music, 2007), was an enjoyable effort, with the exception of his overuse of electronic keyboards. Aya represents a new direction, with mixed results.

Piatigorsky cites, in his notes, that as a busy and in-demand musician he is involved in a number of projects and wants to provide an album representative of his diverse interests and musicians. His aim is to emulate Quincy Jones's style of employing various genres and moods.

Misha Piatigorsky: AYA

by Mark F. Turner
June 21, 2007

Pianist Misha Piatigorsky absorbs his heritage, environment, and experiences, to deliver the very hip and accessible AYA. Born in Moscow, the active New York musician is also a producer and composer (winner of the 2004 Thelonious Monk Composers Competition). This recording is his second to be released in 2007 and is a slight departure from his well received, self produced trio effort Uncommon Circumstances. While the trio recording revealed strong compositions, the new recording seems more open ...