His interpretations and playing always were fine, and always nice to listen to at any time or place.
Great for when flying!
Introduced to his CDs by my beloveds in-laws. Got to see the trio perform live in Hong Kong several years ago, sitting in the front row – bravo!
Too late to have learned of Messr Loussier in his life, but after listening to a few cuts on youtube, I bought several of his recordings from Tower Records (it still exists in Japan and they had some CDs available).
I didn't know about Messr Loussier until reading this, but I always could feel that element of improvisation when I listen to and play his music. Upon learning this, I looked up some youtube to find how what he did. He has a very delicate style and a very tasteful interpretation. I don't think Bach would be displeased. If there is anything beyond that great river, I hope they are enjoying jamming together in that great beyond.
If Jacques Loussier managed to bring back Bach to a broader global audience, then he done real good with his brief time on Earth. Now the angels have more material for their heavenly tunes.
Rest in peace, Jacques. Say "Hi" to Johan for me. He'll be chairing your welcoming committee.
Mr. Loussier continued a tradition that was started by American jazz musicians a couple of decades earlier: Eddie South (Improvization on the First Movement of Bach's Concerto in D Minor, 1937), Fats Waller (Bach Up to Me, 1938), and Nat King Cole (Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C Sharp Minor, 1944)
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Goodness, what to say?
I will always prefer "Air on the G string" in its original form. One of the many versions available on YouTube features not only the music but a running score. All that exquisitely fashioned four-part harmony. And so--what do I do?
Sing along of course. Sing the tenor part--I guess that'd be the viola. The clef is a little odd. Takes getting used to.
BUT--
Mr. Loussier's playing! Oh--it's to DIE for.
Fleet. Deft. Delicate. Of a marvelous subtlety and expressiveness. I am an amateur pianist myself--classical, not jazz--but a touch like that! No, such things are beyond me.
And his original "Pulsions." Well-it was okay. Here again, though, I admired Mr. Loussier's PLAYING rather more than the piece itself. A little over four minutes--but you feel the monotony after two or three.
As for Mr. Eminem and Company.
They really DIDN'T ask permission, I gather.
"Which is not nice."
Ah, that Gallic understatement. I love it.
Just like Mr. Loussier's playing.
I love it.
May he rest in peace.
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@Susan Fitzwater
I simply love your comment Ms. Fitzwater. Your passion is as rich as Mr. Loussier' playing and arrangements.
Thank you for sharing such sweet words.
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"The New York Times, reviewing a performance at Carnegie Hall in 1975, wrote that he was “actively appalled by the very notion of ‘popularizing’ Bach — or any classical composer, for that matter.”
I guess if one went to Carnegie Hall assuming or hoping to hear classical Bach rather than a jazz interpretation of Bach, they would be disappointed.
The beauty of Jacques Loussier's music and interpretations is its easy, peaceful, relaxing, delicate, complex and rich sounds. Everything he wrote and played with his trio was outstanding.
I recall hearing Bill Evans and his trio play his version of "Hi Lili Hi Lo" for the first time and I simply melted and cried at the same time. I'm not a big jazz fan, but the subtle and gracious interpretations of Mr. Evans and Mr. Loussier truly warrants an honest and sincere listening.
Deeply regret the passing of Jacques Loussier. Condolences to his family, friends and fans. Thank you for such beautiful music.
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