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Jacky Terrasson

Jacky Terrasson (born November 27, 1965) is a French jazz pianist and composer.

Background

Terrasson's mother is African-American from Georgia, and his father is French. From his parents he heard classical music as a child. He began piano lessons at an early age. He became interested in jazz when he heard his mother's albums of Miles Davis and Billie Holiday. Terrasson went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston for two semesters, then performed in clubs as a jazz pianist in Chicago and New York City. In 1993 he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. As the leader of a trio, Terrasson recorded his first solo album for Blue Note, then recorded with Jimmy Scott and Cassandra Wilson. He has worked with Stéphane Belmondo, Michael Brecker, Mino Cinélu, Ugonna Okegwo, Leon Parker, Michel Portal, Adam Rodgers, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. The Los Angeles Times heralds him as "a pianist with a shining improvisational imagination, Terrasson seems clearly determined to follow his own path."

Allegation of sexual abuse

In March 2026, Terrasson was named as the subject of a complaint made by a sixteen-year-old girl who alleged that he raped her when she was six years old. Terrasson was questioned by investigators in late 2025. He denied the allegation. Prosecutors in Bordeaux confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Discography

As leader/co-leader

As sideman

With Cindy Blackman

With Ry Cooder

With Philippe Gaillot

  • Be Cool (Ilona, 2018)
  • CassIstanmbul (That Sound, 2022)

With Javon Jackson

  • When the Time Is Right (Blue Note, 1994) - recorded in 1993
  • For One Who Knows (Blue Note, 1995)

With others

References

External links