Jacky Terrasson

Despite debate over it's significance, those who place in the top three of the Thelonious Monk Competition have oftentimes made a name for themselves afterwards. Previous winners alone include Ryan Kisor, Joshua Redman, Marcus Roberts, Eric Lewis, Seamus Blake, and that list doesn't include people who didn't win including Chris Potter, Eric Alexander, Jorge Rossy, Sam Yahel, Tim Warfield and Joey Defrancesco. But one winner who managed to slip by many people is Jacky Terrasson. Terrasson, a native of France, entered and won the 1993 competition, beating out other finalists including Peter Martin (previously of the Joshua Redman Quartet) and Edward Simon (Greg Osby, Bobby Watson, Terence Blanchard, Mark Turner, John Pattitucci). Since then however, Terrasson has maintained a relatively low profile on the American jazz scene. He worked early on with Ray Brown and alongside Brown in Art Farmer's quartet. Since then, he was seen semi-consistently in the groups of Wallace Roney, Leon Parker and Javon Jackson. He has known to be a fan of collaborations; releasing albums under his and another's name. Collaboraters have included Cassandra Wilson, Tom Harrell, Stefon Harris, and French classical flautist Emmanuel Pahud. But on his own, Jacky Terrasson has been one of the most creative, original and engaging pianists on the scene. Often compared to a modern Ahmad Jamal, Terrasson uses dynamics and backbeats to offer a fresh approach to the jazz trio. Since his debut he has utilized the trio of bassist Ugonna Okegwa and drummer Leon Parker on multiple albums including his eponymous debut, "Reach" (1994), "Alive" (1998) and "Lover Man". As early as "Reach", Terrasson had created a unique modern trio format, displaying his original style and compositions with more energy and dynamics than anyone else on the scene. His album "Smile" (2002) epitomizes his style and is one of the best piano contemporary piano trio albums I've heard. He just released a new album, "Mirror" (2007), which finds Terrasson leaving the trio behind to focus on his solo playing. Once again, he performs magnificently. If you ever have a chance to catch him live, do not pass it up. His show at the Village Vanguard in 2003 is one of the best jazz shows I've ever seen, and the best show I've ever seen at the Vanguard. This under appreciated pianist maintains a solid reputation in his native Europe, but deserves much more exposure here in the states. Enjoy these tracks.

Baby Plum (Terrasson), from "Reach" (1994)
Nardis (Davis), from "Smile" (2002)
You've Got a Friend (King), from "Mirror" (2007)

And this video of Terrasson playing with Art Farmer and Ray Brown