Michel Petrucciani Jazz pianist Date of Birth: 28.12.1962 Country: France

1. Biography of Michel Petrucciani
2. Early Life and Musical Career
3. Musical Style and Discography
4. Personal Life and Legacy
5. Conclusion

Biography of Michel Petrucciani

Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist and composer with international acclaim. Despite his physical disability, he became known for his virtuosity on the piano and was often compared to Art Tatum and Bill Evans. Petrucciani was born to Italian parents in Montpellier, France and grew up in a musical family. He began his professional career at a young age and went on to have a successful and influential career in jazz.

Early Life and Musical Career

Michel Petrucciani was born to a musical family in Montpellier, France. His father, Tony, was a guitarist, and his brother, Louis, was a bassist. As a child, Petrucciani played the drums alongside his father and brother. After studying classical music for eight years, he decided to dedicate himself to jazz because he loved to improvise and wanted to write his own music.

Petrucciani started his professional career at the age of 15, playing for drummer and vibraphonist Kenny Clarke. He moved to Paris and recorded his first album at the age of 17. He then began regularly performing at European jazz festivals while still a teenager. He also traveled to New York and toured France in a duo with saxophonist Lee Konitz, with whom he recorded an album of duets. In California in 1981, Petrucciani joined saxophonist Charles Lloyd's quartet, and they toured Europe and recorded the album "Montre '82."

Musical Style and Discography

Michel Petrucciani was known for his unique and aggressive style of playing the piano. He recorded seven albums for Blue Note Records between 1986 and 1994, including "Power of Three" with Wayne Shorter and Jim Hall, and the critically acclaimed album of original songs, "Michel Plays Petrucciani." One of his early standout recordings was "100 Hearts," a solo album that showcased his musical genius.

His live album, "Live at the Village Vanguard," was recorded in March 1984 and highlighted the exceptional talent of Petrucciani and his band members: bassist Palle Danielsson and drummer Eliot Zigmund.

Personal Life and Legacy

Michel Petrucciani faced physical challenges due to a rare bone disease known as "glass bones," which stunted his growth and weakened his bones. He used a special device to work the pedals of the piano but his hands remained unaffected, allowing him to play with unmatched energy and enthusiasm.

Petrucciani was married to Gilda Butta, but their marriage ended in divorce. He is survived by his partner, Isabelle, as noted by his biographer, as well as his son Alexandre and stepson Rachid Roperch, both from previous marriages.

Before his death, Petrucciani had a vision of building an international jazz school in France. He believed that jazz was dying and considered it the work of his life to revive and preserve the genre.

Conclusion

Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist and composer who overcame physical challenges to become one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of his time. His virtuosity on the piano, unique style, and passionate performances earned him international recognition and comparisons to jazz legends like Art Tatum and Bill Evans. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.