Arguably Europe's leading young jazz pianist Michael Wollny performs his debut solo shows in Ireland this March. Wollny has been identified by Jazzwise as "a major talent in European jazz". Following a successful tour here with [em], these solo concerts will be greeted with much anticipation by those interested in new European jazz. The classically trained Michael Wollny discovered jazz upon receiving a present of Keith Jarrett's Koln Concert. He leapt to international attention with the jarring, edgy, [em], who Stuart Nicholson described as "probably the leading piano trio in European jazz" in The Guardian. He also released acclaimed duo albums on acclaimed label ACT with sax innovator Heinz Sauer and pianist Joachim Kuhn. Wollny is a natural jazz pianist. He improvises and affirms his musical roots while constantly discovering new ground at the same time. Yet his musical origin is, without a doubt, European with a clear focus on the venerable western European music history. Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Schubert, German romanticism and the French composer Olivier Messiaen have all influenced him just as much as the music from the other side of the Atlantic and new influences abound. Wollny creates his own musical universe, a language of a kind that only a musician who grew up with Björk, Jarrett and Ligeti can create. "Wollny is the spearhead of a new generation of European jazz musicians" Jazz Magazine (France) "Using jazz sensibilities in the most creative ways." John Fordham, The Guardian, UK "The is the future sound of jazz" The Observer ...... Wednesday 14th March John Field Room, National Concert Hall, Dublin Tickets 15 Euro from nch.ie or 01 417 0000. No booking fees. Friday 16th March Triskel Christchurch, Cork Tickets 16 and 12 Euro from 021 4272022 or triskelartscentre.ie Show 8.00pm