Marc Benham, a French pianist, fell in love with the sounds of stride piano and early New Orleans jazz while studying classical music. After graduating from Paris’ Bill Evans Piano Academy, where he also teaches, he began to mix electronica and jazz in his band Llorca. European press praised Benham’s solo piano albums, Herbst (2013), and Fats Food De Fats Waller (2016). The latter featured interpretations of the work of the pioneering pianist. Biotope is as stunning as these discs may be. This is partly due to the ensemble of John Hebert and Eric McPherson, who bring out Benham’s best playing. http://downbeat.com
