hanging out with audiophiles HOWA EP 141 - PASCAL LE BOEUF
Jul 17, 2025
Pascal Le Boeuf, a Grammy-winning jazz pianist and composer currently teaching at MIT, shares his inspiring journey with music and collaboration. They discuss the emotional depth of creating the upcoming album 'Places of Unknowing' and reflect on the importance of mentorship in music education. Pascal's orchestral arrangements come to life through touching anecdotes of early performances and community support. The conversation navigates the intersection of jazz and classical styles, and the challenges of composing in today's digital world.
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Elephant Seal Dinner-Table Lessons
- Pascal grew up in Santa Cruz with biologist parents and a twin sax-playing brother, which shaped social observation.
- Family talks about animal behavior turned into an empathetic lens for ensemble playing and social dynamics.
Jazz As A Translational Framework
- Jazz served as Pascal's analytical trunk that let him branch into electronics, strings, and hybrid music.
- He used jazz's flexible framework to translate and combine disparate musical languages effectively.
Play More, Practice Less Alone
- Play live with others early and often; playing beats isolated practice for real musical growth.
- Use regular public gigs (even farmer's markets) to build repertoire, confidence, and audience support.