Steve Amirault – I Am Here (2025)
Christophe Rodriguez – Jazz Albums – October 9, 2025

And so I once again encounter the distinguished pianist Steve Amirault. He is versed in every genre and an incalculable number of styles, and with this solo piano work, titled I Am Here (2025), he demonstrates the full breadth of his artistic palette.

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I Am Here (2025) – the poetry of Steve Amirault

As it is autumn, I imagine you, the music lover, by the fireside, savoring your imagination. I Am Here (2025) is worlds away from the so-called “musical things” we sometimes hear, which are unfortunately nothing more than slickly disguised rehashes, let’s admit it. With Steve Amirault, there is no need to overthink—he infuses his compositions with three spoonfuls of poetry.

 

The spirit of Monk and Ahmad Jamal, with a touch of classical aura

At times, one can even perceive the spirit of Monk and Ahmad Jamal, with a touch of classical aura. You’ll find proof of this by listening to Faith, which says it all. While strolling, if you come across La Rue Verte, think of the pianist who inscribes it in his own way into his heritage, invoking as much Keith Jarrett as the finest flights of Bud Powell, one of the founding fathers of bebop. It is lyrical, with a serene approach that afterward made me think of Maurice Vander (Nougaro’s pianist) and Michel Petrucciani, a master of aesthetics and swing.

 

I Am Here (2025) reveals a Steve Amirault deeply familiar with the rituals and traditions of ragtime

This work reveals a Steve Amirault deeply familiar with the rituals and traditions of ragtime, sometimes tinged with gospel. The warm approach of The Salt Air Tells Me I’m Home lies in the continuity of jazz and the minuet! For pianists who like to experiment, there is plenty of material here to stimulate you after two careful listens.

This new creation, unpretentious, stems from a meticulous process. It does not seek to defend anything, other than the intelligence of art and music. Everything is carefully built, never boring, just enough to spark your curiosity. Bright, poetic—what more could one ask for?

 

Track list:
Wednesday Waltz / Faith / Empathy / Soho Dreams / La Rue Verte / The Salt Air Tells Me I’m Home / Japanese Lullaby / As I Watched You Leave / Suivre l’étoile / Reflecting Images / Acceptance / I Am Here