In the liner notes to his newest release, Dialogue (Sunnyside Records), French-born pianist Laurent Coq shares the story of the production of his album:

On August 22, 2012 I returned to Paris after spending three intense weeks in New York where I rediscovered that energy so specific to the city and the musicians that give it life. I was tired, but I didn't have the time to take a deep breath because the next morning, at dawn, I was on the train and on my way to the next performance. When I got to the hotel very late that night, I was already starting to feel out of sorts and was experiencing symptoms that I couldn't attribute solely to jet-lag. I was becoming sick. Five torturous days later I was admitted to Saint Antoine Hospital in Paris where I would spend two unforgettable weeks. Unforgettable as much as for the care and devotion of the staff as for the unconditional love and support I received from my family and friends.

The recording he completed shortly before he fell ill was a new creative endeavor for him: a trio with piano, guitar, and vocals, which originally began as a duo with his former composition student, Ralph Lavital. As Coq describes in the EPK for Dialogue, the precedent for the piano-guitar duo format in jazz was "both intimidating and a source of inspiration." Coq cites the Bill Evans/Jim Hall duo record Undercurrent as one notable point of reference, and notes that one major challenge of the format is the sonic similarity of the piano and guitar, which allows them to blend easily but also forces them to be resourceful in terms of sound and color. Notable Creole and Caribbean influences can be heard in the music on this record, which Ralph and Nicholas talk about at greater length in the EPK:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brIoBz-9Q1QWe're pleased to present Laurent Coq as he celebrates the release of his newest collaborative effort.Pianist Laurent Coq performs at The Jazz Gallery this Thursday, November 14th, to celebrate the release of his newest CD, 'Dialogue' (Sunnyside Records). He will be joined by Ralph Lavital on guitar and Nicholas Pelage on vocals. Sets at 9 and 11 p.m. The first set is $15 general admission and $10 for Members. The second set is $10 general admission and $5 for Members. Purchase tickets here.