Michel Petrucciani (1962-1999), Anthony Jackson and Steve Gadd performing “Little Peace in C.”
Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta – a genetic disease that causes brittle bones and short stature and is linked to pulmonary ailments. He trained for years as a classical pianist but jazz was his main interest.
He had his first professional concert at 13. At this point in his life he was still quite fragile so had to be carried to and from the piano. In general his size meant that he required aids to reach the piano's pedals, but his hands were average in length. By age 18 he helped form a successful trio. He moved to the US in 1982. In 1986 he recorded a live album with Wayne Shorter and Jim Hall. He also played with diverse figures in the US jazz scene including Dizzy Gillespie.
In 1994 he was granted a Légion d'honneur in Paris.
His own style was initially influenced by Bill Evans although some compare him to Keith Jarrett. He is often deemed to be among the best jazz pianists to ever come from France.
Michel Petrucciani died at 36 from a pulmonary infection.
Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta – a genetic disease that causes brittle bones and short stature and is linked to pulmonary ailments. He trained for years as a classical pianist but jazz was his main interest.
He had his first professional concert at 13. At this point in his life he was still quite fragile so had to be carried to and from the piano. In general his size meant that he required aids to reach the piano's pedals, but his hands were average in length. By age 18 he helped form a successful trio. He moved to the US in 1982. In 1986 he recorded a live album with Wayne Shorter and Jim Hall. He also played with diverse figures in the US jazz scene including Dizzy Gillespie.
In 1994 he was granted a Légion d'honneur in Paris.
His own style was initially influenced by Bill Evans although some compare him to Keith Jarrett. He is often deemed to be among the best jazz pianists to ever come from France.
Michel Petrucciani died at 36 from a pulmonary infection.
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