Jacky Terrasson

Jacky Terrasson is an internationally renowned Franco-American jazz pianist. Born in Germany and raised in France, he left Europe at age 20 to study Music in Boston. In 1993, he won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition and that same year met and toured with the legendary Betty Carter. Both of these events helped propel him into superstardom. Two years later, the New York Times cited him among the artists most likely to change jazz culture in the next 30 years.

In addition to his 12 memorable albums on Blue Note Records throughout the mid-’90s and early-2000s, he has recorded for Concord Records and Universal.

During his distinguished career, Terrasson has also worked with notable jazz artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Stefon Harris, Cindy Blackman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Scott and Dianne Reeves. Nicknamed “the piano player of happiness,” by the French magazine Telerama, his Music is joyful, infectious, and alive.

A talk with Jacky Terrasson

Jazz Pianist

What is your relationship with Krug Champagne?

Being a musician by nature makes you a hedonist. I like gourmet food, the company of friends, beautiful pianos and Krug Champagne. Both Music and Krug are about sharing, communicating and being together. As an artist I am also on a constant quest for perfection with this idea of enjoying every second of life. Krug is the epitome of these values and evokes for me quality, artistry, knowledge, generosity, “savoir-faire” and prestige with authenticity but without being pretentious. This is why I am so happy to collaborate with the House.

Do you remember your first glass of Krug?

I enjoyed my first sip of Krug at the Montreux Festival on Lake Geneva when Claude Nobs – who was the founder and director – invited me into the private lounge for a glass of Champagne. It was Krug Grande Cuvée.

Your first sip of Krug Champagne ?

I remember my first sip of Krug. It was at the Montreux Festival, and Claude Nobs who was the founder and director had invited me in the private lounge to drink. It was Krug Grande Cuvée.

Can you explain the Music Pairings you have chosen for each Krug Champagne?

My choice for Krug Grande Cuvée lies with Count Basie’s Big Band. Krug Grande Cuvée is a blend of more than 120 wines, the fullest expression of Champagne that exudes generosity, sharing, excitement, dance and joy. A big band like Count Basie’s seems a perfect match.
“Corner Pocket” performed by Count Basie’s Big Band is a tune that is very festive and gives you a feeling of joy, making everyone share a moment of fun. I feel the same when I am enjoying Krug Grande Cuvée.

For Krug Rosé I have chosen one of my own compositions entitled “Dance”. This Champagne offers many surprises and reminds me of a summer party, maybe even a barbecue with friends and a hint of craziness in the air. “Dance” is an invitation to share pleasure, which is a common trait for both Krug Champagne and Music.

For Krug 2000, I have chosen Herbie Hancock”s, “Butterfly”. He is one of my heroes, as well as a versatile, audacious Musician who is afraid of nothing and ready to try everything. The year 2000 was not the easiest year in terms of weather so I noticed a parallel, as Herbie would make the Music happen regardless of the conditions. I love the way he blends different styles together in a way that captures the intensity and precision of Krug 2000.

The year 2000 was not the easiest year in term of weather, so I tried to make this parallel because Herbie, regardless of the conditions would make the music happen. I love the way he would take different styles and makes a blend together.

Krug 2003 deserved a beautiful masterpiece with Keith Jarret’s “Vision”. It is a 48-second piece where everything is told in an eloquent and direct way. The Music is fresh, radiant, and generous like the Champagne. As the message is clear and honest, I thought it was a great match for Krug 2003.

For Krug Clos du Mesnil 2003, I have chosen the adagio of the G concerto by Maurice Ravel for two reasons. First, it is a piece of Music that I have heard since my childhood and loved all my life. The second reason is that it was an obvious match: a single grape from a single walled plot on a given year and an opening with a solo piano. There is an idea of uniqueness, of simplicity, love, honesty and truth that is expressed so well. The message being conveyed is crystal clear and beautiful – so simple yet so huge and intense. This is also what I felt during my visit to Clos du Mesnil; sheer amazement at this tiny plot of earth producing such quality.

For Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2000, my choice fell instantly on “God Bless the Child” by Billie Holiday because nobody sings like she can. The song here is important but not as much as the voice. I wanted to focus on Billie Holiday because she has a such unique and rare sound. I think the same words can describe Krug Clos d’Ambonnay: “Unique, Personal and Rare”. Just like this tiny walled plot of Pinot Noir, Billie is very special and gives you more emotion and truth than any other singer.

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Jacky Terrasson

A talk with Jacky Terrasson

Krug grande cuvée

More music pairings

Echo of Krug 2006

Corner Pocket (aka Until I Met You)

Dance

Vision

Butterfly

II. Adagio assai

Jacky Terrasson - God Bless the Child

ALL THE ARTISTS

Kris Bowers

Grand Soleil

Hugo & Vincent

Krug Grande Cuvée

Krug Grande Cuvée