Michel Petrucciani came from an Italo-French family with a musical background. Michel was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, which is a genetic disease that causes brittle bones and in his case short stature.
At an early age he became an enthusiast of Duke Ellington and wished to become a pianist like him. Although he trained for years as a classical pianist, jazz remained his main interest. He gave his first professional concert at the age of 13. At this point of his life he was still quite fragile and had to be carried to and from the piano. His size meant that he required aids to reach the piano's pedals, but his hands were average in length.
By the age of 18 he was part of a successful trio. He moved to the US in 1982, where he successfully encouraged Charles Lloyd to resume playing actively.
In 1986 Petrucciani 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.
Michel Petrucciani died just after his 36th birthday from a pulmonary infection. He was interred in Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
Recording the album Flamingo
JohnCervantesKeys 3 weeks ago
Yes, Roy Haynes is the drummer...
TheSuperbatspider 3 months ago
a great musician, great spirit. Inspires me to play every day.
will always be remembered!!!!
mister088 6 months ago 2
Drummer is Roy Hanes.
thabwr 6 months ago
A great biography of the amazing life of a wonderful man, whose heart and preciousness goes far beyond any skyscraper. 1000 thanks for posting.
kamykazzzz 6 months ago
The caption says the drummer is Charles Lloyd, which it is not -- who is it?
ekwity 7 months ago
a ride on [ i got rhythm ] great changes a bird riff I tink
pappawheely 8 months ago
one is flamingo dunno the other, sorry
tongoism 9 months ago
Michel is next to Chopin. I found that out for myself. Almost got a heart attack right there.
teemingup 1 year ago
could somebody tell me the names of those songs
delipiane2008 2 years ago