Martial Solal

PaintedPostDave · October-15th-2009, 08:45 PM

I just got Martial Solal’s “Live at the Village Vanguard”. It’s my first Solal CD and I am quite surprised. Yes, he has chops. He has an eclectic, edgy, clever style. The crowd appears to love him. The recording quality seems outstanding. Unfortunately, I can’t find any place where he breaks away from the filigree and actually swings. He plays nine tunes, two of which are his. There is a similarity tune to tune that after the first two, or so, starts to become a little repetitious and boring. The CD contrasts sharply with John Lewis’s “Evolution II” which shows great variety: portions of solo, tempo-varying piano mixed beautifully and refreshingly with portions of intensely swinging quartet playing.

Captain Hate · October-15th-2009, 11:08 PM

Solal's not the youngest player in the world and I think it's accurate to characterize his recent recordings as a bit reserved. But his older stuff had a bit of fire to it.

Ron Thorne · October-16th-2009, 01:28 AM

Sometimes it's advantageous to research a musician new to your library so that you don't have a jarring experience. Or not.

In my estimation, Martial Solal's performance at the VV at the age of 80 is a remarkable achievement in and of itself.

You may find something useful and informative in this piece, Dave.

clinthopson · October-16th-2009, 11:44 AM

Donna, Pete Cherches and I were at one of the sets.

He was brilliant.

Pete C · October-17th-2009, 07:51 AM

Solal reserved? He's one of the most harmonically adventurous pianists around. Still.

Tom Storer · October-17th-2009, 09:12 AM

Solal is a relatively cerebral pianist, not one given to rockin' the blues. He doesn't swing the way Oscar Peterson does, but there are many ways to swing. He's a vibrant and energetic player in no way lacking in rhythmic perspicacity. To call his playing "filigree" that doesn't "actually swing" is to miss the point of his outstanding gifts.

cultchas · October-20th-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaintedPostDave

Unfortunately, I can’t find any place where he breaks away from the filigree and actually swings. He plays nine tunes, two of which are his. There is a similarity tune to tune

This is news. I have been a long time fan of Martial Solal. He was never boring. Regarding similarities, perhaps that is his style you are hearing; like Monk's? At any rate, this another addition to my ever long wish list. Thanks for sharing.

cultchas · October-20th-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Storer

Solal is a relatively cerebral pianist, not one given to rockin' the blues. He doesn't swing the way Oscar Peterson does, but there are many ways to swing. He's a vibrant and energetic player in no way lacking in rhythmic perspicacity. To call his playing "filigree" that doesn't "actually swing" is to miss the point of his outstanding gifts.

Word has it that Oscar Peterson skipped some of his dates in France to watch Solal "swing".

I unconditionally agree. Very cerebral and he has a unique attack on the keyboards. Even at his age he is still magnificent. Theres a video here, snippets of him playing live, unbelievable!

http://cultchas.blogspot.com/search/...artial%20Solal

Tom Storer · October-21st-2009, 01:50 AM

On the other hand, PaintedPostDave's (painted?) post inspired me to get out John Lewis's Evolution, a very fine solo piano record indeed. I didn't realize there was an Evolution II. I'll have to go looking for it.

PaintedPostDave · October-27th-2009, 08:54 PM

I do not have Evolution I but based on Tom's comments I will have to look into it. On Evolution II, Howard Collins and Howard Arlen alternate on guitar, Marc Johnson and George Mraz alternate on bass, while Lewis Nash plays drums. I originally ordered it because I heard "One of Parker's Moods" on NPR but now I really enjoy the whole CD. The variety between solo piano and ensemble playing is attractive.

Regarding Martial Solal, perhaps it is just a matter of taste and personal preference. On repeated listenings, I have to maintain my position that (1) IMHO he does not swing (on this CD at least) and (2) the tunes start to sound alike after the first two or three. However, I can see where being present might change the whole equation. I remember attending an Eldar gig in Rochester a couple of years ago and came away enthralled as did everyone in attendance. I immediately bought his latest CD - my enthusiasm was somewhat tempered.

The unsolicited references to Oscar Peterson are interesting. Although I enjoy Oscar, some of his knuckle busting runs occasionally appear to me to be a little repetitious.

In any case, thanks for the responses.

Pete C · October-28th-2009, 09:52 AM

I'm confused. Marial Solal doesn't swing but John Lewis, of all people, does

Tom Storer · October-28th-2009, 10:39 AM

One man's swing is another man's whatever. I have no trouble saying that both of them swing.

Pete C · October-28th-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Storer

whatever.

That's a fighting word!

Tom Storer · October-28th-2009, 11:58 AM

.

PaintedPostDave · October-28th-2009, 03:12 PM

"I'm confused. Martial Solal doesn't swing but John Lewis, of all people, does."

I looked at Ron Thorne's reference and in the trio setting Mr. Solal does have a nice swing. Thanks for suggesting that. I may have, in fact, purchased the wrong CD for my tastes.

I would humbly suggest that, evidenced by many MJQ recordings, say, "Bags Groove", or the "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West" CD with Bill Perkins or any of several selections from Evolution II, that John Lewis swings. Also, I think Evolution II was cut in 2001 when John would have been 80 years old and suffering from prostate cancer which ultimately did him in that same year.

Pete C · October-29th-2009, 02:16 PM

I wouldn't deny that Lewis could swing, just that I don't think of that as a primary component of his style.

PaintedPostDave · October-29th-2009, 03:56 PM

Agreed.