Storyville Records is thrilled to announce the release of a special vinyl LP, capturing the first set from Michel Petrucciani’s performance at Copenhagen’s Jazzhus Montmartre on July 3, 1988.
This LP celebrates the legendary French pianist’s artistry alongside two jazz icons: Gary Peacock on bass and Roy Haynes on drums.
It features five tracks performed by the trio during the opening set of the evening. Side One showcases the joyous swing of It’s a Dance and the timeless elegance of Autumn Leaves. On Side Two, listeners can immerse themselves in the sparkling La Champagne, the breakneck energy of Giant Steps, and the heartfelt Someday My Prince Will Come.
The trio, assembled for a brief European tour in the summer of 1988, exhibited extraordinary chemistry on stage. Propelled by a shared sense of intuition and mutual respect, the trio delivered a performance that radiates grace, spontaneity, and undeniable synergy. This vinyl edition captures the magic of Petrucciani’s lyrical universe and his profound reverence for the jazz tradition.
At the time of this performance, both Gary Peacock and Roy Haynes were at the height of their powers – Peacock working with Keith Jarrett and Haynes collaborating with Chick Corea. Together with Petrucciani, they formed a trio that epitomized creativity and joyful expression, evident in every note of this recording.
Petrucciani’s singular voice on the piano – shaped by his deep passion for life and his triumphant defiance of physical challenges – continues to inspire generations of listeners. With this LP, Storyville Records invites you to relive an extraordinary moment in jazz history, one that still resonates with the vitality and brilliance of that summer evening in Copenhagen.
Michel Petrucciani – piano
Gary Peacock – bass
Roy Haynes – drums
Side One
- It’s A Dance
- Autumn Leaves
Side Two
- La Champagne
- Giant Steps
- Someday My Prince Will Come
“Franskmandens fingerfærdighed og musikalitet er forrygende. (…) Musikken swinger, så det er en fornøjelse…” – ***** – Michelsen, Politiken
“There is the percussive energy of Petrucciai, the effortless grace of Peacock, the fills of Haynes… (…) A must-have addition to the discographies of these three musicians.” – Siclier, Le Monde
“Both accompanists on the album are as razor sharp and ferocious as the little giant man. They sound ferociously delightful together! (…) It is a unique chance for us music lovers to have such a fluid and creative evening on record. A most definitely must buy album.” – Sülünbaz, Dark Blue Notes
“Det er så vildt. Jeg tror ikke at triojazz anno 80’erne kan lyde ret meget bedre.” – Overgaard, JazzNyt
“The trio being Michel Petrucciani’s central form of expression, he exults with a sometimes lyrical, sometimes very dynamic playing rich in remarkable expressiveness and originality…” – Carette, FIP, Radio France
“Det er ingenting å sette fingeren på i noen av låtene. Det er rett og slett en fantastisk konsert…” – Granlie, *Salt Peanuts
“A concert of crazy intensity recorded in 1988 at Montmartre, the temple of jazz in Denmark.” – Morriset, TSF Jazz
“To be rediscovered with a pleasure still intact.” – Lambert, Musicologie
“…recreates the performance of this ephemeral but absolutely magical trio.” – JazzNicknames
“In short, between original compositions and reimagined standards, the trio delivers an extraordinary performance. (…) This beautiful album, with its honest recording quality, is yet another concrete example of his brilliance—a remarkable addition to the pianist’s discography.” – Dorison, CultureJazz
“The pianist’s inspired and virtuosic improvisations, along with the lyrical dynamism of his playing, enchant the listener from start to finish. The musical energy of the double album evokes wonder and emotion, reaffirming Petrucciani’s lasting brilliance.” – Videmann, Latins de Jazz…& Cie