Ballads, a 2025 Jazz Album by Pianist Alain Jean-Marie and Double Bassist Diego Imbert Features the Classic “My Ideal,” Composed by Richard A. Whiting and Newell Chase with Lyrics by Leo Robin
Ballads is a 2025 Jazz album by pianist Alain Jean-Marie and double bassist Diego Imbert that focuses on intimate, minimalist interpretations of classic jazz standards. Released on September 19, 2025, under the Trebim Music label, the album features a minimalist duo format that emphasizes interplay and “slow music.”
Alain Jean-Marie is considered by many to be France’s – if not Europe’s – top living jazz pianist. Born in the Carribean island of Guadeloupe, Jean-Marie taught himself to play piano from age eight. Alain established himself in Paris in 1973 and quickly became a ‘first-call’ pianist. From 1976 on, he toured and recorded with such jazz legends as Chet Baker, Sonny Stitt, Art Farmer, Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Bill Coleman, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Barney Wilen and Benny Golson.
French jazz bass player and composer was born 1966 in Paris. He started playing the violin when 6 years old, then moved to electric bass when 15 and finally shifted to acoustic bass in 1995. He has since played with countless national and international jazz musicians like Archie Shepp, Aldo Romano, Richard Galliano, Enrico Pieranunzi, Antonio Farao and more yet.
The project was directed by Daniel Yvinec, who also worked with the duo on their 2020 tribute to Bill Evans, Interplay. Critics and descriptions
highlight a “subtle art of suspense” where the duo stretches melodies to their extreme, creating a sense of dilated time. Recorded at Studio La Menuiserie in early 2025, the album is described as “intimate and luminous,” focusing on the natural communication between the two master musicians. The album consists of 11 tracks, totaling approximately 43 minutes. It primarily features “stainless” standards and beloved romances such as the classic “My Ideal,” composed by Richard A. Whiting and Newell Chase with lyrics by Leo Robin. Give it a listen to the classic “My Ideal,” composed by Richard A. Witing and Newell Chase with lyrics by Leo Robin.