In 2006 producer and Rotarian Chris Ulrich decided to help the young Swiss jazz pianist Claude Diallo, who was studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston at that time and sponsored a free live recording which took place on January 3 2006 at KUGL in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
It is the first recording of Claude Diallo with his trio. Although he already recorded 3 CDs with the Fusion Jazz band Blizz Rhythmia, here Claude Diallo is heard for the first time as a leader and in his favorite style of piano jazz.
Claude Diallo is very lucky and has one of the finest rhythm sections on that CD. On bass we have the only 23 years old Luques Curtis, who was already nominated for 2 Grammy Awards as a side man of Christian Scott and Bryan Lynch with Eddie Palmieri. Luques Curtis's facility on the bass is a pleasure for every acoustic bass player to listen to.
On drums we have 23 years old James Williams who plays with Gary Burton and Tim Blane. His incredible sense of time and his feeling are tremendous.
Together with 25 years old Claude Diallo they create a very vivid, energetic and powerful sound, which seems to carry over to the enthusiastic audience in the packed club.
The three of them met at Berklee College of Music in 2005 and performed on several occasions throughout Europe. Among the best performances were some concerts with Tenorsax legend Andy McGhee.
This CD is very special as it is the first live performance of the three together.
It features 2 original compositions of Claude Diallo and 4 delicately chosen Standards which where all re-arranged by Claude Diallo.
Enjoy these young musicians at their best!!!!!!
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