Pianist/composer Jean-Michel Pilc is a resolute, constantly evolving artist. His second Dreyfus Jazz release, "Cardinal Points," features original music that defies classification—it’s a startling musical roller coaster brimming with eclectic intensity and heartfelt emotion. In contrast to his last album "Welcome Home," which featured astonishing reworkings of the standard jazz repertoire, "Cardinal Points" consists mostly of Pilc’s original compositions. The seven new song-length pieces on Cardinal Points explore a multitude of uncharted musical landscapes. The expanded instrumentation of soprano saxophone, percussion and electric bass further punctuate the compositions’ soaring melodies, deep grooves, and thrilling dynamics. From the climatic intensity of South, which begins in a sea of calm and soon builds to dramatic summits, to the playful exuberance of Fred’s Walk, Pilc manages to push the envelope in a tasteful, listenable, and often humorous way. ! Cardinal Points is a bold statement that affirms the artistry of this remarkable creator. Besides his own writing, Pilc chose to include a particularly idiosyncratic arrangement of Mood Indigo. "I take a wave of inspiration that I draw from the original tune," he explains, "and I make it materialize in sound – in vibration." As is the case with many of his interpretations, the result here is remarkably different from the original composition. Trio Sonata, a four-part work of enormous substance, was created with a grant from Chamber Music America. Personnel: Jean-Michel Pilc - piano/whistle/melodica/percussions Sam Newsome - soprano sax James Genus - acoustic & electric bass François Moutin - acoustic bass Ari Hoenig - drums Abdou M’Boup - percussion