Just Friends (1997)

"French pianist, composer, and bandleader Martial Solal's intuitive approach to improvisation has earned him an honored place among the greatest minds in all of jazz. Thoroughly versed in the tradition from big-band swing to bop and post-bop, Solal has also composed chamber music, written scores for more than 20 films, and recorded more than 50 albums as soloist and leader. For more than half a century, Solal personified the cross-pollinated splendor of European jazz by utilizing styles and influences from both sides of the Atlantic. Although it's a little restrained and predictable, "Just Friends" is a lovely latter-day effort from pianist Martial Solal. Supported by a small group, he runs through a set of brisk, melodic hard-bop that is quite lively and entertaining. There's not much musical variation here, but the music is sweet and charming, and worth the time of fans of classicist jazz piano." (Arwulf Arwulf & Leo Stanley, Allmusic)