Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist whose vibrant playing and energetic performances made him a celebrated figure in the jazz world despite the physical challenges he faced due to osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disease that caused his bones to be extremely fragile and stunted his growth. Born on December 28, 1962, in Orange, France, Petrucciani came from a musical family and was introduced to the piano at a young age. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly developed a passion for jazz, heavily influenced by musicians such as Duke Ellington and Bill Evans.

Petrucciani began his professional career at the age of 13 and moved to Paris when he was 16. He soon broke into the international scene, notably playing with the legendary Charles Lloyd in 1980, which boosted his profile significantly. Over the years, he recorded with numerous jazz greats and led his own trios and solo projects. His discography is a testament to his mastery and includes revered albums like "Colors" and live performances such as "Michel Petrucciani: The Montreux Years" and "Trio in Tokyo." His playing style was characterized by exuberance, technical prowess, and a deep emotional connection to the music. Despite his premature death on January 6, 1999, at the age of 36, Michel Petrucciani's legacy endures through his extensive recordings and his influence on jazz musicians around the world.

Genres

Contemporary Post-bop

French Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Jazz Piano

Related Artists

Bill Evans

Oscar Peterson

Keith Jarrett

Chick Corea

Brad Mehldau

Herbie Hancock

Dave Brubeck

Hiromi

McCoy Tyner

Avishai Cohen

Art Tatum

Ahmad Jamal

Latest Release

Jazz Club Montmartre - CPH 1988

Michel Petrucciani•

Gary Peacock•

Roy Haynes

Album - 12 Tracks - Released November 15, 2024