Grégory Privat is a French pianist, composer, and improviser born in Martinique in December 1984. He is the son of José Privat, a pianist known for his work with the Caribbean group Malavoi. Grégory began piano lessons at the age of six and spent about ten years in classical training before shifting his focus to jazz and improvisation.
As a composer, Privat is recognized for blending jazz with Caribbean melodies, creating a distinctive and elegant musical style that reflects his cultural heritage. His compositions often explore themes of spirituality, personal history, and cosmic imagery, as seen in albums like Tales of Cyparis (inspired by the story of Louis-Auguste Cyparis, a survivor of the Mount Pelée eruption) and Phoenix (an allegory of renewal).
Privat has released several albums featuring his compositions, including Ki Koté (2011), Tales of Cyparis (2013), Luminescence (2015, a duet with drummer Sonny Troupé), Family Tree (2016), Soley (2020), Yonn (2022, his first solo album mixing piano and voice), Nuit & Jour (2023, solo improvisations), and Phoenix (2024). His work has earned critical acclaim and awards such as the Django Reinhardt Prize from the Académie du Jazz in 2024.
Privat is also noted for his virtuosic piano playing, deep sense of melody, and innovative arrangements. He founded his own label, Buddham Jazz, to maintain artistic independence. His music is described as modern jazz infused with Antillean and creole influences, and he often incorporates elements like electronica and vocalizations into his compositions.
