Denis Lapassion

Denis Lapassion is a French pianist, composer, and arranger born in Cayenne, French Guiana. His music is a vibrant blend of styles, including jazz, gospel, soul, funk, and Caribbean and South American rhythms. Lapassion's unique sound is often described as "jazz afro-amazonien," reflecting his fusion of jazz with traditional Guyanese and Amazonian rhythms. He began his musical journey at the age of nine with classical piano lessons, later exploring negro spirituals and gospel music. By sixteen, he was self-studying jazz, and he went on to formalize his education in musicology at the Sorbonne and jazz at the A.R.P.E.J. in Paris.

Lapassion has collaborated with numerous notable artists, such as Ray Charles and the Golden Gate Quartet. He founded the Institute of Musical Disciplines (IFDM) in Guyana in 2009. His discography includes albums like **Sérénité** (2013) and the EP **Soul Attitude** (2017), showcasing his eclectic style. Lapassion has performed at various international jazz festivals, including the Kayenn Jazz Festival and the PAP Jazz Festival in Haiti. His music is characterized by its lyrical and melodic qualities, captivating audiences with its blend of tradition and modernity.

Genres