NRahav@ixl.com
Wed, 29 Sep 1999 12:12:16 -0400
Answered my own question. Here's what AllMusic.com has to say
(however, if anyone can recommend any other albums, speak up!)
Pianist/composer Jacques Loussier demonstrated musical ability at an early
age, starting to play at
the age of 10 and entering the Conservatoire National de Musique in Paris
at 16. Loussier's main
professor there was Yves Nat, who in turn was encouraged by Faure,
Saint-Saens and Debussy as
a student himself. Loussier continued this distinguished tradition,
graduating at the top of his class.
After travelling the world as an accompanist, in the late '50s Loussier
formed the Play Bach Trio with
Pierre Michelot and Christian Garros. The Trio fused Loussier's classical
background with his
interest in jazz, using Bach's compositions as the basis for improvisation.
The group was an
immediate success, playing many shows and selling over six million albums
in 15 years.
By the end of the '70s, however, the group ran its course and Loussier
retired to Provence, spending
his days composing and recording at his studio in Miraval, experimenting
with electronic and acoustic
arrangements. The studio also played host to rock artists like Pink Floyd
(including sessions for The
Wall), Elton John and Sting.
1985 marked the 300-year anniversary of Bach's birth, which promted
Loussier to reform the Play
Bach Trio with new members and a wider musical range, adding rock and
electronic elements to the
basic blend of classical and jazz. Loussier also continued composing
through the '80s and '90s, as
well as performing pieces by Bach and Ravel live and on albums like 1999's
Ravel: Bolero with his
signature jazzy flair. -- Heather Phares
.·´¯`·.¸¸.N·a·t.¸
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