Franck Avitabile

Franck Avitabile was born in November 1971 in Lyon, France. At age 9 Franck’s musical education started when he entered the Conservatory of Lyon. At the age of 17, Franck discovered new musical horizons (i.e. Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea). At the same time, he studied Mathematics and suceeded in the most prestigious schools in that domains. He holds a Phd in “Mathématique et Informatique Fondamentales from Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon. (It does not keep him from loving his plummer…) Franck is the only musician the late Piano Master Michel Petrucciani ever produced for a record and on stage. Since, he never misses to enjoy his audience with a MP composition or two at each of his concerts. After that special opus, “In Tradition”, dedicated to Bud Powell’s music, and then “Right Time” with Niels-Henning Ørsted-Pedersen (his last album) & Roberto Gatto, his 3rd CD for Dreyfus Jazz, “Bemsha Swing”, shows a real & mature talent. For 7 years, Franck kept concentrated on the trio form, digging deeply into his great abilities, refusing any compromise, believing only in hard work, and hoping for grace. His two next album “Just Play” and mainly “Short Stories” features piano solo improvisations on composition & standards : Smile (Charlie Chaplin), Twisted Nerve (Bernard Hermann)…

From his recordings and many concerts, it's easy to feel the simple guidance he gave himself : improving his very personal method of composition and re-harmonization, which was recognized by his elders, pianists as Petrucciani & Solal, as well as Steve Grossman, Wynton Marsalis or Manu Katché mainly. Cohesion and sharpness are creating into his music and playing a strong unity. Such a true style made him particular among the many good young pianists we have all “heard about”. Most recently, FA played and recorded with electro-jazz artists and has decided to pursue both careers, being opened to all music genres, including pop and classical. As of today, Franck Avitabile has played over 800 concerts, and has been invited to about thirty countries, he does not remember (ask Linus in Charlie Brown’s cartoon if he remembers those things.... )