Raphael Pannier – one of France’s leading drummers according to Le Parisien (naming him the drumming world’s “rising star”) and Telerama (which singled him out as “exceptionally gifted”) – is proud to introduce his newest project, the International Jazz Express.
The “Paris <-> New York Jazz Project” is a group of international all-star composers and musicians, led by Pannier, who are creating, performing and intending to record a series of albums of new music that combines the forms, content and character of classical and jazz in an innovative, contemporary way.
The project’s first album, to be recorded in Spring 2019, will be produced by saxophonist Miguel Zenón, a two-time Grammy winner and recipient of both a MacArthur Foundation “genius” award and a Guggenheim award.
The jazz elements will feature both French and American composers and performers: Pannier on drums and percussion, Miguel Zenon on sax, Aaron Goldberg on jazz piano, and François Moutin on acoustic bass.
The classical elements will feature pianists Eteri Andjaparidze and Giorgi Mikadze, playing arrangements of the classical French repertoire (Ravel, Messiaen, and Poulenc), accompanied by Pannier on percussion and drums.
Following the recording, the Express will put on a release concert in New York City and then tour both United States and France, before returning to the recording studio.
Meet the Musicians:
Raphael Pannier – Jazz and Classical
Born and raised in Paris, Pannier began playing drums at age 5, started playing professionally at age 13 and at age 18 was awarded the European scholarship to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He subsequently obtained his Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He has received numerous awards and scholarships and is widely regarded as one of France’s leading drummers
Before launching his current project, Pannier worked intensively with top jazz musicians such as guitarist Lee Ritenour, pianist Bob James and pianist Emil Afrasiyab with whom he toured overseas, playing a fusion of jazz and traditional Azerbaijani music. Pannier has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater, the Kennedy Center and the Kursaal in Switzerland. He has also been featured in jazz festivals around the world (Japan, Brazil, Spain, France and elsewhere).
Jazz Musicians
Miguel Zenón is a Puerto Rican alto saxophonist who, as noted above, is an award-winning musician and composer. He has released 11 albums as a band leader and appeared on over 70 recordings as a sideman.
Aaron Goldberg is an American jazz pianist. Described by The New York Times as a “post-bop pianist of exemplary taste and range,” Goldberg has released five albums as a solo artist and has performed and collaborated with Joshua Redman, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Guillermo Klein, among others.
François Moutin is recognized as one of the finest young bass players in Europe. Born and raised in France, he was a member of the legendary Martial Solal Trio and has toured with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and worked as a sidemen with most of the greatest musicians of his age.
Classical Players
Eteri Andjaparidze is a Georgian/American pianist who has appeared around the globe in solo and collaborative recitals and as a guest soloist with the major orchestras and conductors. Her programs encompass all genres and styles of the piano repertoire and discography includes Grammy and Deutsche Schallplatten Awards nominated solo albums. She was the winner of the Montreal International Piano Competition and fourth prize at the Fifth Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow.
Giorgi Mikadze is a Georgian/American pianist and composer who has performed with the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestras, Berklee Symphony Orchestras and MSM Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also composed for plays at the Rustaveli National Theatre in Georgia. He is currently touring full time with the “King of Chinese Pop” Wang Leehom.
Learn More: http://www.raphaelpannier.com