IN 2025, SHAI MAESTRO EMBARKS ON A NEW CHAPTER: HIS FIRST SOLO PIANO RECORDING
Born in 1987, Shai Maestro is one of the most inventive and influential pianists of his generation. Since his trio's debut in 2011, he has developed a distinct musical voice—fluid, expressive, and deeply lyrical—establishing him as a key figure in contemporary jazz; blending improvisation, composition, and global influences to create a sound that is both cinematic and deeply personal.
Of Israeli origin, Maestro began classical music at the age of five and discovered jazz a few years later through KEITH JARRETT and OSCAR PETERSON. He was only nineteen when he joined bassist AVISHAI COHEN's trio and co-wrote the legendary album "GENTLY DISTURBED" (2008), which led him to perform worldwide. In 2011, he eventually formed his own trio, recording six albums and cementing his reputation as a singular voice in modern jazz.
With his latest releases on the ECM Records label, produced by MANFRED EICHER, Maestro follows in the footsteps of legendary pianists such as KEITH JARRETT, PAUL BLEY, and CHICK COREA. His quartet, comprising drummer OFRI NEHEMYA, bassist JORGE ROEDER, and trumpeter PHILIP DIZACK, continues to explore new frontiers in contemporary jazz. Their latest album, HUMAN (2021), recorded during the pandemic, illustrates Maestro's ability to create musical landscapes that are both intimate and expansive.
In 2025, Shai Maestro begins a new chapter: his first solo piano recording, marking the start of a long-term series. This project explores the subtle balance between structure and spontaneity and reflects the evolution of his relationship with composition and improvisation. Inspired by a lesson from CHICK COREA—"In this profession, there are only three things: composition, composition... and composition"—Maestro has spent years refining his approach, allowing improvisation to gradually reshape his written music. His solo work is divided into "MINIATURES"—short, spontaneous improvisations—and "TALES," extended explorations of melodic and harmonic ideas. This series testifies to his artistic evolution and captures a singular moment, promising continuous development for future volumes.
In parallel with this new creative phase, Maestro signs a long-term contract with the prestigious naïve records label. This collaboration provides him with a platform to realize his ambitious artistic vision, expanding his audience and disseminating his music globally.
Beyond his performances, Maestro's creativity extends to film music, orchestral collaborations, and production. He has composed for the TOKYO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA and created his orchestral work ALICE with the ORQUESTRA DE CÂMARA PORTUGUESA in 2022. Today, with his series of
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