Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jacky Terrasson: Smile

Jacky Terrasson: Smile

By Jim Santella
January 7, 2003
View read count

Each of the ten albums that Jacky Terrasson has issued since he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition in 1993 has grown logically out of its predecessor. Smile moves forward from À Paris to encompass an eclectic program where jazz standards are mixed with pop songs. It’s the kind of program one might find on a live album, where interaction with the audience prompts the artist to vary in topical substance. Remember the classic film scene where Nat King Cole is issued a surly request for “Sweet Lorraine?” Terrasson interacts with his audience in much the same manner, and it has an effect on his song selection.

What a beautiful anthem “Mo Better Blues” has turned out to be! The pianist and his partners are equally at home with a lovely ballad as with the charged-up energy that carries from a standard bebop romp. But there’s nothing standard about the way Terrasson interprets a song. His “Smile” is in 5/4. “59” starts out in 5 and transitions to 9. He’s determined to see jazz grow. With ten years of improvising before an audience under his belt, the 37-year-old French-American artist continues to bring his own special something to the mainstream. Through and with Terrasson’s capable leadership, jazz will continue to grow freely in the New Year.

Track Listing

1. Parisian Thoroughfare 2. Mo Better Blues 3. Smile 4. Sous le Ciel de Paris 5. Isn't She Lovely? 6. The Dolphin 7. Nardis 8. Autumn Leaves 9. My Funny Valentine 10. 59

Personnel

Jacky Terrasson

piano

Jacky Terrasson - piano; Sean Smith - acoustic bass; Eric Harland - drums; Remi Vignolo - electric bass (tracks 2, 4, 5)

Album information

Title: Smile | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Blue Note Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

The Form of Space
< Previous

An Afternoon in Austin...
Next >

Jacky Terrasson Concerts

Dec 9 Tue

Jacky Terrasson

Dazzle Jazz Club
Denver, CO

Dec 9 Tue

Jacky Terrasson

Dazzle Jazz Club
Denver, CO

Dec 11 Thu

Jacky Terrasson Trio

Dizzy's Club
New York, NY

Dec 12 Fri

Jacky Terrasson Trio

Dizzy's Club
New York, NY

Dec 13 Sat

Jacky Terrasson Trio

Dizzy's Club
New York, NY

Dec 14 Sun

Jacky Terrasson Trio

Dizzy's Club
New York, NY

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.