Martial Solal, a celebrated jazz pianist from Europe, passed away at the age of 97 on Thursday in Versailles, France. His death was confirmed by Rachida Dati, the French minister of culture.
Born in Algeria, Solal performed his first concert in Paris at the prestigious Salle Gaveau in 1962. He returned to the same stage for his farewell concert in 2019, marking a remarkable career that spanned nearly 75 years. Throughout his life, he recorded numerous albums and composed music for various ensembles, including film scores.
Although he was not widely recognized in the United States, he received acclaim from critics, such as Francis Davis, who described him as potentially the greatest living European jazz pianist. In 2010, John Fordham referred to him as “France’s most famous living jazz artist.” Solal was known for his technical skill and innovative improvisations, drawing comparisons to legendary pianists like Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk.
Martial Saul Cohen-Solal was born on August 23, 1927, to Jewish parents in Algiers. His education was disrupted under the Nazi-aligned Vichy government. After honing his piano skills, he emigrated to France in 1950, adopting the stage name Martial Solal.
Upon arriving in Paris, he recorded with prominent musicians, including Django Reinhardt. He gained recognition playing at renowned venues such as Club St. Germain and the Blue Note. His collaboration with filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard led to the score for the groundbreaking film “Breathless” in 1960, establishing both artists' careers.
Solal debuted in the United States at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1963, where his performances garnered significant acclaim. Yet, despite his exceptional talent and numerous recordings, he remained relatively unknown in America, partly due to his limited performances there.
Throughout his career, Solal primarily focused on solo performances, stating that playing alone allowed him to tell a complete story without external influence. He also enjoyed leading a larger ensemble known as his “dodecaband” and worked closely with family, including his daughter, vocalist Claudia Solal.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Solal; his daughter; a son; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In reflecting on his legacy, he expressed a desire to be remembered as a composer dedicated to improvisation and artistic freedom.
His final concert was described as an exceptional showcase of his musical journey, featuring a range of standards and concluding with a nod to Beethoven. In a poignant moment, he stated, “When energy is no longer available, it is better to stop,” before playing his final chord.