His feathery keyboard touch is coupled with a lot of power and passion, a complete understanding of the blues and improvisation, and Terrasson is also a gifted arranger, putting his own personal stamp on well known tunes. He's been one of the jazz world's most talked about piano player/composers since he captured everyone's attention when he won the Thelonious Monk Competition in 1993.
Born in Berlin to a French mother and an American father, Terrasson's distinctive piano style reflects his old and new influences. In his youth, he spent years studying and listening to recordings by Bud Powell, Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk. He began playing piano at age five, and his parents were always playing classical music on the stereo. He began listening intently to Billie Holiday and Miles Davis records that belonged to his mother when he was 11, and at that point, he was hooked on playing jazz piano.
He studied jazz at the Berklee College of Music in Boston with many other new traditionalists as classmates, including people like Danilo Perez. After graduation, he spent a year jamming at clubs in Chicago and New York before hooking up with ensembles led by his mentors, including Arthur Taylor and Betty Carter. At a recording session, Terrasson met Carter. The vocalist told him she needed a pianist to begin a tour the next day, and he accepted, spending nearly a year on the road with her.
Among many other sessions, Terrasson performed on Jimmy Scott's 1996 release, Heaven, for Warner Bros. He also did arranging for that record. Terrasson continues to perform around the world as leader of his own trio, and has made several European and Japanese tours. He's one of the most sought-after sidemen in jazz, constantly in demand for touring jazz bands and recording dates. On his 1996 sophomore effort, Reach, he's ably backed by the same musicians who accompanied him on his debut: bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Leon Parker. Rendezvous followed in 1997, and a year later Terrasson returned with Alive. 1999's What It Is emphasized Terrasson's compositional skills as well as technique. Paris followed two years later.
Tennessee Waltz
Jacky Terrasson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When an old friend, I happened to see
I introduced him to my loved one and while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Only you know how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
The song "Tennessee Waltz" by Jacky Terrasson tells the story of a devastating betrayal. The singer is enjoying a beautiful moment with their beloved dancing to the Tennessee Waltz when they spot an old friend. The singer introduces their friend to their sweetheart, but during the dance, the friend steals the singer's sweetheart away. The singer is left alone, lamenting the loss of their love and reminiscing on the beautiful night they had shared, now forever tainted by the betrayal.
The lyrics of "Tennessee Waltz" paint a vivid picture of heartache and loss. The use of the waltz rhythm adds to the melancholic mood of the song. The melody itself is beautiful, but the lyrics convey a deep sadness that is hard to shake off. The singer's sorrow is palpable as they reflect on the happy memories that have been tarnished by the betrayal.
Line by Line Meaning
I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
I was enjoying the dance with the love of my life, to the tune of Tennessee Waltz.
When an old friend, I happened to see
I chanced upon an old friend at the event who caught my eye.
I introduced him to my loved one and while they were dancing
I presented my friend to my sweetheart, and they joined the dance floor together.
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
My friend took away the one I love from me while we were all still dancing.
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
That one night and the music of Tennessee Waltz has become a vivid memory in my mind.
Only you know how much I have lost
The loss I feel because of the incident can only be understood by me and my shattered heart.
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
I lost my beloved that very night when the Tennessee Waltz was filling the atmosphere.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Redd Stewart, Pee Wee King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind