Franck Amsallem facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franck Amsallem
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Amsallem in 2012
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| Background information | |
| Born | 25 October 1961 Oran, French Algeria |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, bandleader, musician |
| Instruments | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Labels | Sunnyside, Naïve, Nocturne, jazz&people, |
| Associated acts | Gary Peacock, Bill Stewart, Gerry Mulligan, Joe Chambers, Tim Ries |
Franck Amsallem is a talented French-American jazz musician. He is known for playing the piano, arranging music, composing, singing, and teaching. Born in 1961 in Oran, Algeria, he grew up in Nice, France.
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Early Musical Journey
Franck Amsallem started playing the piano when he was seven years old. He also learned to play the classical saxophone. Growing up, he was lucky to see famous jazz artists perform live. These experiences at the Nice Jazz Festival greatly influenced his musical path.
By the age of 14, Franck was already performing in bands. He played at dances along the French Riviera. He even appeared in a documentary about music students. Later, he received a special scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in the United States. There, he studied how to compose and arrange music.
Adventures in New York City
After his studies in Boston, Franck moved to New York City in 1986. He continued his music education, earning a master's degree in jazz composition. He also kept up his classical piano lessons.
In New York, Franck worked with many well-known jazz musicians. He played with artists like Gerry Mulligan, Joe Chambers, and Gary Peacock. In 1990, he released his first album, "Out a Day." This album was highly praised by music critics.
Franck also wrote music for big bands, which are large jazz orchestras. His compositions were performed by groups like the Köln Radio Jazz Orchestra. He also taught music workshops in many countries. He has released 11 albums as a band leader.
Franck received several awards for his musical talents. These included a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. He also won an award from France and a prize at a jazz piano competition. His compositions are even included in famous jazz music books. He performed at major jazz festivals around the world.
Life in Paris
In 2001, Franck Amsallem moved back to France and settled in Paris. There, he continued to collaborate with local jazz stars.
In 2009, he released his first solo piano album where he also sang. He was invited to lead and compose for the WDR Big Band in Germany in 2011.
Franck has performed all over the world, from the United States to South Africa and Asia. He often performs at the famous Duc des Lombards jazz club in Paris. In 2019, his new quartet released the album "Gotham Goodbye." His latest trio album, "The Summer Knows (un été 42)," was recorded in 2024.
Musical Works
Here are some of the albums Franck Amsallem has released as a leader or co-leader:
Albums as a Leader
- 1992: Out a Day – A trio album with Gary Peacock on bass and Bill Stewart on drums.
- 1993: Regards – A quartet album with Tim Ries on saxophone.
- 1996: Is That So – Another trio recording.
- 1999: Years Gone By – A quartet album.
- 2000: On Second Thought – Featuring Tim Ries on saxophones.
- 2003: Summer Times – A trio album with Joe Chambers on drums.
- 2005: A Week in Paris – This album featured various musicians.
- 2009: Amsallem Sings – Franck's first solo album where he also sang.
- 2014: Franck Amsallem Sings Vol. II – A trio album.
- 2018: At Barloyd – A solo piano album.
- 2019: Gotham Goodbye – A quartet album.
- 2025: The Summer Knows (un été 42) – A trio album.
Albums as a Sideman
Franck Amsallem has also played piano on albums by other artists, including:
- 1992: New York Stories by Danny Gatton
- 1995: Imaginary Time by Tim Ries
- 2006: Stones World by Tim Ries
- 2009: New Life by David Prez
Awards and Recognition
Franck Amsallem has received many awards for his musical talent:
- 1981-1984: Full scholarships to attend the Berklee College of Music.
- 1983: Count Basie Award.
- 1984: Oscar Peterson Award.
- 1989: Fondation Bleustein-Blanchet pour la Vocation Award from France.
- 1989: National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for composing.
- 1990: ASCAP Award For Young Composer.
- 1992: Second prize at the Great American Jazz Piano Competition.
- 2010: FAJE Award (French American Jazz Exchange).
