When self-taught French-born pianist Jean-Michel Pilc moved to New York City in the 90’s he quickly assembled a rhythm section of extraordinary skill. With François Moutin on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums, the now-legendary ensemble quickly established itself as one of the most important groups in the form.

They deliver dynamic and engaging reflections on the expressive power of collaborative improvisation with complete instrumental mastery and superior musicality.

Their latest release, the trio’s first recording in 12 years, entitled YOU Are The Song includes only first takes. It was recorded without any preparation and is an honest reflection of what this trio is all about. Instead of talking about music, we let music talk through us. Rather than playing music, we let music play us, Pilc explains. In lieu of playing a song, we become the song and invite all of YOU to do so.

1. Impressions
2. The Song Is You
3. Straight No Chaser
4. Bemsha Swing
5. You Are the Song
6. Searing Congress
7. Dear Old Stockholm
8. Thin Air
9. After You’ve Gone
10. Alice in Wonderland: My Romance

This emotively-charged, rhythmically-organic new album opens on the fluctuating melodies within John Coltrane’s sumptuously re-harmonized Impressions and the luxuriant The Song Is You and they are followed by the low slung, finger-snapping vibe of Thelonious Monk’s Straight No Chaser, the fervent, yet playfully-sculpted Monk and Denzil Best’s Bemsha Swing, and then comes the pure dreamy gossamer of You Are the Song.

Along next, the collective trio embark on more dynamic and exhilarating musicianship with the flirtatiously furtive original Searing Congress and the jaunty traditional Dear Old Stockholm, and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the sweetly emotive original, Thin Air, the recording rounding out on the jazz swing within After You’ve Gone, coming to a close on the beautifully sewn together duo of a thematic Disney song (that has long since now become a much beloved jazz standard) and a song from the musical Jumbo, Alice in Wonderland: My Romance.

While the piano trio reigns historically classic in jazz (from Oscar Peterson to Bill Evans), the setting has opened up and offers a promising soundscape teeming with engaging improvisation. Key to success comes when the pianist, bassist and drummer share a compatibility of deeply feeling the music. Innovation is born and adventure follows into brilliant unpredictability.

Into this rarely traveled trio sphere, the legendary ensemble Pilc Moutin Hoenig arises again with its first album in 12 years, YOU Are the Song will be released on May 12th, 2023 via Justin Time Records.

Official Band Website