Jean-Michel Pilc - Parallel (2018)

'Parallel' is a double album with two solo piano recordings, conceived in a completely new form. CD 1 comprises compositions for solo piano by Jean-Michel Pilc in a studio recording, made in the Netherlands and CD 2 consists of free improvisations, composed and recorded in Montreal.

"'Parallel' is a fascinating and exciting journey into Jean-Michel's realm of composed and improvised music that makes you want to listen to it over and over again." -Jasper Somsen

"Most people believe that growing up and aging goes hand in hand with gaining knowledge and wisdom. It may be comforting to think that life teaches you things and there is often something true about it. However, for me there is a parallel, deeper reality at work. The more I know, the more I have to unlearn. The music of this album - created in the last years, in two very different sessions with the invisible ink of improvisation - deals with this mysterious and constantly growing part of the unknown: create, forget and recreate." -Jean-Michel Pilc

Self-taught pianist and composer Jean-Michel Pilc has performed with numerous jazz giants including Roy Haynes, Billy Hart, Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jean Toussaint, Rick Margitza, Kenny Werner, Martial Solal, Michel Portal, Daniel Humair, Marcus Miller, Kenny Garrett, Lenny White, Chris Potter, John Abercrombie, the Mingus Dynasty & Big Band, Lew Soloff and Richard Bona, among others. He has also worked with Harry Belafonte as his musical director and pianist and has performed a duet with the legendary opera singer Jessye Norman. Since September 2015, Jean-Michel has acted as Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University in Montreal.