Calling piano virtuoso Martial Solal one of Europe’s finest musicians isn’t an exaggeration at all. Not only does he command a whole range of piano styles, he also leads various bands, varying from trio to big band. He himself was awarded many prizes, but there also is a prize that bears his name. The city of Paris has named an international jazz piano concours after him: the Prix Martial Solal. That prize has proved to be a push in the right direction for many talented young players. Solal grew up in Algeria. When he was 22 he moved to Paris to try his luck as a musician. Soon he ranked among the top players and he worked with names like Django Reinhardt, Don Byas and Sidney Bechet. From the sixties onwards he collaborated with alto saxophonist Lee Konitz, a musical friendship that lasted throughout the years. At he festival Solal will perform with the brothers François and Louis Moutin on bass and drums.
