Jacky Terrasson: What It Is

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: June 1, 1999

What it is, is hot jazz. With guest Mino Cinelu lending a dynamic pulse, pianist Jacky Terrasson has created a session that (1) reminds us why he won the 1993 Thelonious Monk Piano Competition, and (2) offers proof that his internship with Betty Carter helped him develop and sharpen these creative skills. Terrasson’s powerful piano artistry makes this an exciting album. The fact that seven are his compositions underscores the originality of the pianist’s music. Audio samples from the album are available at http://www.bluenote.com . Equally important to the jazz enthusiast are schedules indicating where Terrasson can be heard in person; those are also available on the ‘net at http://home.earthlink.net/~terrasson/ .

With Mino Cinelu on congas and Ugonna Okegwo running the acoustic bass, Terrasson tears up the house on "What’s Wrong With You!" It’s high-powered energy that will grab you and hold on. The liner notes call it hyperactive. Blue Note’s web site offers a representative sample of this one. Similarly, the contrast that Terrasson presents with ballads such as "Little Red Ribbon" allows one to appreciate the artist’s lyrical approach. Michael Brecker’s two guest appearances and one vocal track ("Better World" in Spanish from female vocalist Xiomara Laugart) add variety to the session. The album ends with a creative arrangement of Ravel’s "Bolero." Rick Centalonza provides the familiar flute and oboe melodies while Terrasson and Cinelu stretch out. Acoustic and electric piano choruses provide contrasting segments, while Cinelu’s exotic drum collection adds a wide variety of percussive energy. Terrasson’s What It Is is quite creative, right out of jazz’s mainstream, and a real winner. Highly Recommended.

Track Listing: Sam

Personnel: Jacky Terrasson- acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, chekere; Fernando Saunders, Richard Bona- electric bass; Ugonna Okegwo- acoustic bass; Jaz Sawyer- drums; Mino Cinelu- drums, percussion, sound effects, guitar; Adam Rogers- guitar; Gregoire Maret- harmonica; Jay Collins- flute, alto flute; Rick Centalonza- flute, oboe; Michael Brecker- tenor saxophone; Xiomara Laugart- lead vocal.

Record Label: Blue Note Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream