NEWS

Interactive Performance & Workshop
Michael Pignéguy | Yassine Ayari | Enrick Adam from
THE AWAKENINGS ENSEMBLE
Friday, April 20, 7.30pm & 8.30pm

FNAC Festival City will present an interactive performance and workshop with Michael Pignéguy (Australia), Yassine Ayari (Tunisia) & Enrick Adam (France) from the world music group The Awakenings Ensemble.

Between them these artists have performed in Asia, Africa, the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Their diverse experience as performers and their creativity have helped shaped the sound of The Awakenings Ensemble. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see and hear them perform Friday, April 20 at 7.30 & 8.30pm

MARCH: COLLABORATIONS
New Music with
French and Tunisian artists

Michael has featured Yassine Ayari (Tunisia) and Enrick Adam (France) in previous compositions for The Awakenings Ensemble but now the trio is actively writing and performing together. Look out for new tracks (and travel plans) in the near future!

FEBRUARY
​Associate Artist Status
AUSTRALIAN MUSIC CENTRE

In recognition of his output and accomplishments as a composer, Michael has just been invited to join the Australian Music Centre (@ausmusiccentre) as an Associate Artist after fulfilling all the requirements of the rigorous selection process. Michael is proud to join the ranks of music creators who have had a sustained high quality output of original music over a significant period of time.
​Click on the image above to find out more.

Vodafone & Redbull Event
SYMPHONY OF SOUND & SPEED
The Awakenings Ensemble

Michael and regular collaborators Yassine Ayari and Enrick Adam were commissioned to write a new work, performed by The Awakenings Ensemble for Redbull's 'Symphony of Sound and Speed' event held at the Lusail Speedway in Doha, Qatar on Friday February 23. The audio and visual spectacular brought together live performance, electronics, virtual drumsticks and real-time drifting by featured drivers all coordinated in sync for an unforgettable collaboration!
PictureMichael during the introduction of the new work using Virtual Drumsticks
​The event received a huge amount of coverage in local media with great feedback from audience members on site and online.

2018 - FIRST VIDEO
Jazz at Lincoln Center - Doha
ft. Hassan Moataz & Dominick Farinacci

See below for the first video of 2018 featuring musicians from around the world at the incredible Jazz at Lincoln Center venue in Doha. Soloists include Hassan Moataz from Egypt (Cello) and Dominick Farinacci from the US (trumpet). SUBSCRIBE to be the first receive notifications for the latest tracks.

RHYTHM EXPLOSION III
Education & Charity Event
​Friday, January 19 - 5.30pm - DOHA

#RhythmExplosion goes into it's third year after an incredible show in 2016 at Sherborne Qatar (Bani Hajer). This year's event will see a great variety of music performed and Michael Pignéguy has again teamed up with South African drumming master, Patrick Dilley to present the show. Between them they have assembled an fantastic array of talent as well as some incredible special guests including Ana Cisneros (Spain), Phil Wilkinson (UK) and Sándor Ónadi (Hungary) who will perform along side and separately to the students. All profits donated to UNITED WORLD SCHOOLS charity (http://www.unitedworldschools.org/) 
Tickets: Adults 50QAR - Students 30QAR – Families 130QAR (up to 5 members)
​Available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhythm-explosion-iii-tickets-41919558528

YouTube Channel
NEW MUSIC
Twice a Month

Look out for regular postings of new videos via Michael's YouTube Channel. Michael is aiming to upload new videos every two weeks including, live, studio and slideshow videos. SUBSCRIBE to be the first receive notifications for the latest tracks.

ATP Tennis
VIP VILLAGE SHOWS
Doha Jazz

Michael joins Doha Jazz and artists from Spain and the UK for a series of shows at VIP Village at the Qatar Exxon Mobil Open from Jan 1-6. Performers include Ana Cisneros (vocals), Phil Wilkinson (piano), Dan Sheppard (bass) and Chris Coull (trumpet). The group will perform a Latin and jazz arrangements by Phil Wilkinson. Special guest Chip Wickham (flute & Sax) on Saturday January 6. Look out for live video recordings around the end of January.

NEW VIDEO PROJECT
Russia - Malaysia - Ukraine

Michael is about to work with Russian bassist Anton Davidyants and crossover Ukranian keyboardist Oleg Polyanskiy on a new video project due to be launched early in 2018. Michael and Oleg have performed together a number of times with Michael co-producing Oleg's solo piano album however, the trio last performed together in Africa in 2014 and have been planning to reconvene ever since.

NO BLACK TIE 
September 30
Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Michael is a regular visitor to Malaysian shores and has built a rapport with a number of KLs finest musicians during club and festival performances and recordings. He returns to NoBlack Tie to showcase new arrangements and a brand new release of My Valentine which features Samantha. Added to this will be material from his most recent album Les Trois Scènes as well as earlier CDs. Les Trois Scènes was recorded in Dubai, Melbourne, Perth and Doha and features artists from across the globe. It draws from the musical language of jazz through to that of Afro Cuban and electronic music genres and is a completely continuous sonic journey. Key elements of the recording will be translated to the performance at No Black Tie which promises to be a unique musical journey for audience members. Not to be missed!
http://www.noblacktie.com.my​

DRUM APP LAUNCH
Middle East
August & September

In addition performing & producing Michael is regularly involved in education activities, particulary in the areas of drums, percussion and jazz.

​In 2006 he released an educational text for drummers and this is now being followed up by a new eText/App for iOS devices. The new product is called Groove Masters and incorporates audio, video, music notation, images as well as standard text to help young musicians explore the world of drumming and music in a stimulating and structured way.
It will be launched first in the Middle East in August and September and soon after in other territories.

MELBOURNE
Paris Cat
July 27

It's been a long time between drinks but musical expat Michael Pignéguy is extremely excited to return to Melbourne with new musical collaborators to perform at the Paris Cat loft on Thursday, July 27 at 8.30pm.


The Paris Cat performance sees him joined by guitarist Craig Fermanis, bassist Tom Lee, as well as vocalist Chantal Mitvalsky and pianist James Bowers. They will present a program which features selected music from Michael's albums as well as new works put together specifically for this show.

Line-up:
Michael Pignéguy – drums/leader
Chantal Mitvalsky – vocals
Craig Fermanis – guitar
James Bowers – piano
Tom Lee – acoustic bass

For TICKETS press here

SINGAPORE
Stocker ■ Poh ■ Pignéguy
June 21 2017
B28 Whisky & Jazz

This show sees Michael team up with the dynamic baritone saxophonist Tim Stocker plus the incredible Ben Poh on Bass. These musicians have played together before but not in this particular format.

​Michael has been visiting Asia more regular over the last 12 months with his band The Awakenings Ensemble recently headlined the new IPJazz Festival in Malaysia. Get on down to hear the distinctive sound of this trio as they create new music landscapes!
Basement No. 28, Ann Siang Road, The Club Hotel, Singapore

Perth International Jazz Festival
May 27 2017
Perth WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Michael Pignéguy Quartet ft. Penny King will perform on Saturday May 27 at the Palace Hotel in Perth. The line-up includes Tom O'Halloran (piano), Simon Jeans (guitar) and Karl Florisson (bass). Michael and Penny have collaborated on new arrangements especially for this line-up. Not to be missed!

IP Jazz Festival
April 29 2017
Johor MALAYSIA

Picture
The Awakenings Ensemble ft. Evelyn Feroza
The Awakenings Ensemble ft. Evelyn Feroza headlined the recent IP JAZZ FESTIVAL 2017 in Malaysia on April 29. The show featured a stunning line-up of Australian and Malaysian musicians including Tom O'Halloran (keys), Julian Chan (alto sax), Patrick Terbrack (ten. sax), Simon Jeans (gtr) & Travis Tan (bass). Other artists at the festival included:

  • ASIABEAT
  • Lewis Pragasam
  • Alonso Gonzalez
  • Havana Social Club
  • Sound of Siam
  • Dani
  • New Village Music Lab

Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri

Kuala Lumpur
Recordings at NOMAD STUDIOS
February & March

Following performances in late 2016, Michael is collaborating with Malaysian artists Samantha DeLune & Marques Young along with Perth Producer Trilby Temperley on a new track that which will follow Just Out of Reach by The Awakenings Ensemble. More information coming soon.
Picture
Malaysian vocalist Samantha DeLune
Picture
Trombonist Marques Young
Writing is ongoing for other new tracks for the next album of The Awakenings Ensemble. Michael and Trilby will be collaborating with other artists from around the world.

SINGAPORE
Performance at B28 Club
December 16

Michael returns to Singapore to perform at the city's most authentic jazz club, B28. The line up for show includes Oliver von Essen (keys), Nicole Duffell (tenor sax) and Jase Sng (bass).  Material for this show has been carefully crafted by Michael for these musicians and will include material from his new album Les Trois Scènes.
Reservations via B28@theclub.com.sg OR +6568082180

JUST OUT OF REACH

Single from  Les Trois Scènes

Just Out of Reach, the luscious Deep Soul track featured on Les Trois Scènes, is now featured on Youtube. This track was recorded by The Awakenings Ensemble and was written by Michael, Trilby Temperley and Aysha Amani and featuring Enrick Adam on Guitar as well as Chris Coull (horns) and Yassine Ayari (Ney Flute).
Click here to purchase on iTunes:

REVIEW

Rhythms Magazine (Australia)

Rhythms Magazine writer, Michael Smith, made his feelings clear in this overwhelmingly positive review of Michael's latest release, Les Trois Scènes.
Picture

Released progressively across all global territories in 2016

Les Trois Scènes
Les Trois Scènes is a seamless soundscape, taking an endless journey through the musical life of Michael Pignéguy, effectively the soundtrack to his recording years to date. Drawing from all his artistic influences - Latin, world, Arabic, funk, soul & jazz, melding them into a fitting journey of highlights spanning more than 60 minutes.
 
The new album features musicians & producers from all corners of the globe including:
Michael Pignéguy (Drums, production, keyboards, virtual bass & horns), Baian Reda (oud), Trilby Temperley (production), Noura Sadaka (vocals), Nabil Amarshi (double bass), Chris Coull (trumpet), James Beard (guitar), Anthony Mutharajah (electric bass), Aysha Amani (vocals), Enrick Adam (guitar), Yassine Ayari (ney flute), Nathan ‘floods’ Winterflood (production, vocals), Sian Brown (vocals), Matthew Jodrell (trumpet), Chris Greive (trombone), Carl Mackey (tenor sax, saxophone), Simon Jeans (guitar), Peter Jeavons (acoustic bass, electric bass, production), Paula Graham (vocals), Jeremy Greig (trombone), Iain Robbie (percussion), Tom O’Halloran (keyboards), Paul Tanner (percussion), Hassan Moataz (cello), Chris Pattishall (Piano), Philip Kuehn (Acoustic Bass), David McGregor (flugel horn), Russell Holmes (piano), Marcus Dengate (electric and acoustic basses).
All of Michaels catalogue is now available electronically through iTunes & other
good retail outlets

"THE TICKET"

Taken from the albums “MPS Live” & “Tableaux”, Michael Pignéguy’s composition “SUNDAY MORNING” will be featured in the new film by Director Ido Fluk titled “THE TICKET” 

RHYTHM EXPLOSION 
​with Israel Varela

In May 2016 Michael teamed up with Mexican drummer & composer Israel Varela to present the performance, education and recording project RHYTHM EXPLOSION. Results of the recording will be featured on the upcoming Awakenings Ensemble album

​MICHAEL'S COMPLETE CATALOGUE
Now Available at
BANDCAMP.COM

@Bandcamp is arguably the most artist friendly online music service in the world. In addition to being available on iTunes and other globally recognisable sites, Michael's music is now available at https://michaelpigneguy.bandcamp.com

MY FUNNY VALENTINE
ft. Samantha de Lune & Marques Young
​Watch on YouTube 

Check out and share The Awakenings Ensemble's latest track ft. Samantha de Lune & Marques Young. Jazz classic, My Funny Valentine, gets a major reworking with Michael's arrangement and Trilby Temperley's signature production style. Other artists who helped bring this track to life include Robo Jupiter (keyboards), Travis Tan (bass), Enrick Edam (guitar). This multinational collaboration represents Malaysia, France, the US and Australia.

YouTube première
Latin Symphony featuring
DOMINICK FARINACCI

This remarkable recording featuring artists from the US, Australia, Ukraine, Syria, Russia, Egypt, Cuba and Malaysia is Michael's re-interpretation of the first movement one of Mozart's most famous symphonies, #40 in G Minor. Originally commissioned by Andrew Bolt of the Perth Concert Hall, Latin Symphony and other works from Jazz Meets Mozart have been played many times internationally but never recorded.

RHYTHM EXPLOSION II
April 28
Doha, QATAR

Rhythm Explosion goes into it's second year after an amazing inaugural event in 2016 at The American School of Doha. This year's show will see a significantly higher number of students involved from a number of schools across the city.

Michael has teamed up with South African drumming master, Patrick Dilley to present the show. Between them they are assembling an incredible array of talent as well as some incredible special guests who will perform along side and separately to the students.

Click on the image on the below for more information and to purchase tickets.

PERTH Western Australia
Performance at THE ELLINGTON
​December 22

Thursday, December 22 sees Michael return to the Ellington for a what promises to be a thrilling quartet show with Tom O’Halloran, Simon Jeans & Peter Jeavons. In spite of Michael’s long overseas absence, these four musicians have performed and recorded together many times, both prior to his departure and during return visits. The quartet is joined for the first time by special guest vocalist Penny King who will feature on repertoire arranged by both Michael & Penny. Other material will be taken from Michael’s latest album Les Trois Scènes which is a continuous soundscape of over an hour in length. Les Trois Scènes showcases Michael’s skills as a composer and producer uniting diverse influences while highlighting the talents of a host of incredible artists from around the globe.

KUALA LUMPUR
Performances at FORBIDDEN CITY
November 25 & 26

Michael is returning to perform in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the second time in four months! This time at the new venue Forbidden City on Friday & Saturday, November 25 & 26. The incredible line-up for this show includes Marques Young (trombone), Samantha De Lune (vocals), Dean Sim (guitar), Travis Tan (bass), Wee Lern (piano/keyboards). 
FOR BOOKINGS:
​Tel: +603 2110 2088
Email: customerservice@forbiddencitykl.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/forbiddencitykl
Instagram: Instagram.com/forbiddencitykl

JAZZ MEETS MOZART Recording

On Thursday, October 27 Yusnier Sanchez Bustamante and Michael recorded the final touches of Latin Symphony, from The JAZZ MEETS MOZART project. Yusnier is an incredible Cuban conga player based in New York and has added an incredible dimension to the recording which features Dominick, Farinacci (trumpet), Oleg Polyanskiy (piano), Billy Thorton (acoustic bass), Kee Guan (vibraphone), MAias Al Yamani (violin I), Dmitry Torchinsky (violin II), Victor Sumenkov (viola), Hassan Moataz (cello) & Michael on Drums.

Latin Symphony is due for release on iTunes in early 2017. 
Picture
Michael & Yusnier during the recording

THE CLUB at St Regis

During September and October 2016, Michael performed with US and South American musicians at Qatar's finest music venue at The Club at The St. Regis Doha.

Michael is featured along side vocalists Gregory Generate, Judi Jackson & Tasha Denae as well as instrumentalists Davis Whitfield (piano), Jonathan Beshay (saxophone) and Giliard Lopes (electric & acoustic basses).

These musicians traverse through acoustic jazz, brazilian compositions through to funk & soul with orignal compositions by Judi Jackson and Michael also featured in the shows. 
Vocalist Gregory Generet & Michael at THE CLUB St. Regis.

ASIA Performances

In July & August, 2016 Michael performed at renowned venues in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and also recorded with locally based artists.

Kuala Lumpur's No Black Tie saw Michael present music from his albums Les Trois Scènes, Speak and Au Privave with Malaysian musicians Ee Jeng (piano), Daniel Foong (bass) & Chee Seng (guitar). He was also featured in Cuban pianist, Gabriel Hernnadez's Trio at the same venue.

In Singapore Michael led a blazing quintet at the country's best jazz venue, B28, featuring Tim Stocker (baritone sax), Nicole Duffell (tenor saxophone), Joshua Wan (piano) & Ben Poh (acoustic bass). 
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Courtesy of No Black Tie, Kuala Lumpur

Drums vs Piano

'Trading 8's with the incredible Gabriel Hernandez at No Black Tie