Rachida Dati, French Culture Minister has written today:
‘The great Martial Solal has died at the age of 97. He was a legendary pianist and composer, whose name shines in the jazz firmament alongside the likes of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Ahmad Jamal. We still have the memory of his graceful playing, the nostalgia of the cellars of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, but above all his marvellous music, the soundtracks he composed for Melville, Godard and Orson Welles, recordings by the hundred… I send my most sincere condolences to his family, friends and jazz lovers the world over.’
His very last, touching words as he left the public stage for the last time, recorded on ‘Coming Yesterday’ in 2019 were:
“Thank you. I think I’ve told you everything. I do have a couple more tunes, but I’ll hold them back for next time – I don’t want to bore you, it’s better that you leave here serene. A nice chord like this. (plays F major first inversion). A good impression. Voilà. Merci“
Andre Hodeir wrote in the preface to Solal’s autobiography:
“‘Martial Solal, born in 1927, is a pianist. According to Alain Gerber, he is ‘one of the world’s greatest musicians, across all styles, genres and cultures’. Solal ‘astounded’ Sviatoslav Richter, dazzled Duke Ellington with his ‘sensitivity, freshness, creativity and extraordinary technique’, and Bill Evans placed him ‘in the top rank of jazz pianists’. He was also a composer, notably for large orchestras and for the cinema, collaborating with Jean-Luc Godard on ‘A bout de souffle / Breathless’ and with Orson Welles on ‘The Trial’.”
A delightful modest man but a giant of the music. RIP
4 responses
A great jazz pianist, one of my favourites. He will be sadly missed by many jazz piano buffs and friends. RIP, Martial.
Martial Solal really was one of the greats – an understated genius of the piano. I first heard him on the radio playing at a festival and was knocked out. Had not heard of him at that stage, but was always on the lookout to see if he’d be playing in London. It was amazing to see him live – first for me was in a trio at the Barbican on a bill with Jim Hall, then as Wayne Shorter’s guest playing solo at the same venue, followed by an unscheduled duet concert with Shorter at LSO St Lukes the next day. Next was a concert of piano duos with Stefano Bollani and finally at the Wigmore Hall playing solo. Just amazing playing (noted in my preview – https://londonjazznews.com/2010/10/19/london-jazz-festival-preview-4-martial-solal, and review – https://londonjazznews.com/2010/11/19/london-jazz-festival-review-17-martial-solal-at-wigmore-hall – for the Wigmore concerts). And he was composing on a Mac in his 90s! His presence, extraordinarily imaginative and technically accomplished playing and gentle humour will be greatly missed.
And there was also a wonderful concert by Martial Solal at Kings Place in 2009 (https://londonjazznews.com/2009/06/14/live-martial-solal/)!
I saw him play in Geneva over 15 years ago. super refined and sensitive pianist