Blending iconic works by Debussy, Ravel, and Satie with his own inspired compositions, Gall’s new record reimagines these classics with bold improvisations and a contemporary sensibility.

‘Impressionists Improvised’ is set to release on GLM Music on March 28th, 2025.

150 years after the Impressionist movement began in Paris, the pianist offers a fresh perspective. He melds the tonal and harmonic richness of Impressionism with the improvisational essence of jazz within a soundscape that is both nostalgic and modern. 

Gall’s masterfully subtle, virtuosic touch across two pristinely recorded pianos presents nine pieces most will be familiar with. Erik Satie’s ‘Gymnopédie No. 1’ becomes a hypnotic journey, performed on a delicately prepared upright piano and inspired by contemporary minimalist aesthetics. His playful take on ‘Gnossienne No. 2’ infuses the enigmatic melody with the rhythmic elegance of Broadway jazz, while Ravel’s ‘Pavane pour une infante défunte’ is performed as a Britpop anthem.

Complementing these classics are Gall’s own compositions, which draw directly from the Impressionist ethos. From the relaxed jazz waltz of ‘The Impressionist No. 1’ to the bluesy, modal allure of ‘The Impressionist No. 2’, each piece captures the spirit of the movement in a contemporary framework. ‘Satiesfaction’ stands out as a bold homage to Satie, merging classical elements with the rebellious energy of modern rock.

Gall’s work seeks not to “improve” the originals but to recontextualise them, creating a brief yet memorable experience of hearing the familiar in new, vibrant clothing. His improvisations capture the fleeting beauty of Impressionism, echoing Monet’s sentiment: “In capturing the fleeting, there lies an insurmountable contradiction.”

With ‘Impressionists Improvised’, Chris Gall invites audiences into a world where the timeless beauty of Impressionism meets the boundless possibilities of jazz. A celebration of the past and a bold step into the future, the record offers the opportunity to rediscover the timeless beauty of these works, now adorned with the colors of the present day.