MUSIC | Gregory Privates' "Tales of Cyparis," a modern jazz masterpiece
MUSIC | Pianist from Martinique, French Caribbean
A Masterpiece of Contemporary Jazz
Grégory Privat's "Tales of Cyparis"
In 2012, pianist Grégory Privat captivated contemporary jazz fans worldwide with his debut album, "Ki Kote." On Sunday, November 3rd, he releases his highly anticipated second album, "Tales of Cyparis," far exceeding expectations set by his previous work.
Text by IWANAGA Morito (OPENERS)
Depicting the Legends of Martinique with a Grand Sonic Landscape
Born in 1984 in Martinique, French Caribbean, Grégory Privat is a Caribbean jazz pianist, the son of José Privat, himself a pianist in the renowned Caribbean group "Malavoi." He began classical piano studies in childhood, honed his skills through live performances and jam sessions in jazz clubs, and appeared at the Martinique Jazz Festival in 2005.
Grégory then began his career in the Paris jazz scene. He incorporated the traditional percussion of Guadeloupe, an island in the Caribbean Sea, into jazz, developing a unique sound rich in originality and melodic sensibility. While active in various bands, he made a name for himself in numerous competitions. In 2012, he released his debut album, "Ki Kote," which garnered international acclaim, reaching fans across the globe, including Japan.
And now, in 2013, comes "Tales of Cyparis," his second album released on "Plus Loin," one of France's most internationally recognized labels.
The album is said to be inspired by the legend of Auguste Cyparis, a Black prisoner who survived the catastrophic eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902, which devastated the town of Martinique and claimed 30,000 lives, because he was confined to a solitary cell at the time.
The story is set to music by Joby Bernabé, a Martinican Creole poet. Creole refers to people of European descent born in the colonies of Central and South America and the Caribbean, and the associated cultural backgrounds. The four tracks featuring Joby, who masterfully blends Creole and French, serve as the album's focal points, deeply reflecting its historical context.
The band features musicians ranging from emerging talents to established artists, all possessing exceptional skill and potential. The unique rhythms of Martinique from the two percussionists, the swirling groove created by the bass, the exquisite tones of the guitar that craft a delicate world, and the piano that ascends towards a climax as if painting a narrative...—...intertwine to create a rich sonic tapestry. Within these beautiful compositions, where composition and improvisation coexist, unfolds a story spanning approximately one hour, depicting the legends of Martinique.

