Encounter Innovative Jazz by Claude Diallo Solo

Swiss jazz pianist and composer Claude Diallo is no stranger in Asia. Since 2007, he has visited on a regular base performing solo piano, with his trio Claude Diallo Situation or with local talents in Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea. With his original compositions and re-arranged Jazz Standards he mesmerizes a worldwide audience. This June, supported by Pro Helvetia Shanghai, he is set to perform at two robust stages in Hong Kong, and ready to stun the audience with his dynamic and tender sound at three clubs in mainland China.

Passion. Joy. Love. Life. These words only begin to describe Claude Diallo’s musical universe. With nine self-produced CDs and a live DVD, Claude Diallo continues to aim at his goal: to present his unique compositions and singular style of playing to loyal audiences all over the world. His CD project, Live at No Black Tie, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was released on the label NBT Records in 2011.

Claude Diallo was born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, in 1981. Inspired by Oscar Peterson’s fiery music, the young pianist was turned on to his true love- Jazz. Between 2004 and 2006, Claude Diallo completed his Bachelor Degree in Performance at the renowned Berklee College of Music. During his studies in Boston, he had the extraordinary privilege of learning from the late Charlie Banacos, one of the best jazz educators of our time. In 2007, Claude Diallo moved to New York City, where he earned his Master`s Degree from Queen`s College in 2008.

Claude Diallo`s many accolades include: finalist in 2009 at the Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition and the 2008 and 2011 recipient of the Cultural Achievement Award from his hometown of St. Gallen.

His performances range from solo piano to small bands as a leader and sideman, and his footsteps have been set gloabally, including Montreux Jazz Festival, Lucerne Festival in Switzerland. Claude Diallo organized his ASIA TOUR in 2010 with his trio Claude Diallo Situation. The trio was founded in April 2007 with Swiss drummer Massimo Buonanno and French electric bassist Laurent Salzard.

Claude Diallo has accompanied and recorded with the jazz greats as Andy McGhee, Denzal Sinclaire, Luques Curtis, James Williams, Louis Cato, Daniel Schnyder, Julian Chan, Brad Leali, Bruna Caram, Jennifer Holliday, Beat Kaestli, Angelita Li and Kenwood Dennard.

In 2018, Claude Diallo continues to use his international network by reaching out to new destinations in Europe and exploring the Asian Jazz Market. Join Claude Diallo’s world of music and be part of his musical journey!