Claude Bolling (1930-); FRA   

Claude Bolling (born 1930) treads a fine line between the disciplines of jazz and classical music. Initially Bolling gained a reputation as a jazz pianist and a bandleader working in the tradition of Duke Ellington, but he also made a thorough investigation of classical technical resources through his study with composer Maurice Duruflé. In 1969 Bolling's dual interests bore fruit in the form of his Sonata for two pianists, which he played with Jean-Bernard Pommier. Through the balance of the 1970s Bolling continued to write highly popular and tasty jazz-styled Suites for various instrumental combinations, the most popular of which was the Suite for flute and jazz piano trio (1975) written for classical flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. He went on to collaborate with other top classical musicians. Bolling is credited in some circles for helping spur on the concept of a classical musician applying his or her talents to jazz and other types of improvised music.

© Uncle Dave Lewis, All Music Guide

Below are works by C.Bolling that every music lover should explore: