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Grégory Privat: Zig Zagriyen and Phoenix

By Scott Lichtman
December 30, 2024
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If you are looking to explore pianists with chops and compositional flair that deserve broader attention, add Grégory Privat to your playlist. Born in Martinique, he was nominated early in his career for "Jazz Revelation of the Year" in France's equivalent of the Grammys. His work spans modern swing, scored/chamber jazz, solo piano and electric fusion. This reviewer considers several of his solos to be worthy of consideration for best improvisation of the year.

His composition for trio, "Zig Zagriyen," feels like a kinetic voyage down a whitewater river. Privat's arpeggiated melody and solo fly. His backing band, Linley Marthe on upright bass and Tilo Bertholo on drums, lend intensity to the shifting rhythms. As a comparable artist, Billy Childs comes to mind.

Below, the song "Phoenix" from the 2024 album of the same title represents the artist's pop-fusion stylings. This upbeat tune features richly layered vocals, akin to some of Bobby McFerrin's songs. Interest picks up starting at 00:30 and Privat's solo at 1:55 is well crafted, reflecting the pianist's early classical education.

Interested in more? Search YouTube for "Grégory Privat Trio: Family Tree (Making Of Video)."

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Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

About Grégory Privat

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