Pierre Jaquinot – Profile Review
Date: September 2025
Genre: Jazz Guitar, Solo & Ensemble, Instrumental Performance
Reviewer: Kristen
Pierre Jaquinot Review
Pierre Jaquinot brings to the guitar a rare blend of maturity, versatility, and musical curiosity. Based in Melbourne, his career stretches over four decades, and throughout that time he has moved gracefully among solo, ensemble, and collaborative settings, always with an ear toward nuance, tone, and connection. His artistry is not flashy for its own sake—it’s about subtle storytelling through the strings.
Early in his musical life, Pierre Jaquinot cut his teeth in blues, rockabilly, and R&B settings before migrating toward jazz. That evolution shows in the way his phrasing flows: the grounding in roots styles gives his jazz more emotional weight and accessibility. His shift toward jazz allowed him to explore harmonic complexity and improvisation, and that feels like a natural extension of his musical instincts.
On stage, whether solo or in trio form, Pierre Jaquinot’s approach is refined and inviting. His solo renditions frequently present standards and ballads that allow him to build space, let tones resonate, and express melody with clarity. When joined by others—bass, drums, or guest soloists—he becomes conversational, weaving support and dialogue rather than dominating. The result is cohesion: you sense a band breathing together rather than backing a soloist. His trio work, in particular, reveals this. In recordings and performances, you’ll hear him trading motifs, reacting to comping, and building musical architecture that feels alive.
Pierre’s repertoire is generous. He covers jazz standards—things like Skylark, It Never Entered My Mind, and interpretations of classic composers—while also exploring original compositions. Videos of his trio playing Duke Pearson’s Chant show he is comfortable with mid-tempo swing, modern voicings, and sensitive dynamics. In concert with vocalist Annemarie Sharry, he navigates both instrumental passages and lyrical settings, demonstrating he is equally at ease supporting voice as leading solo sections.
What distinguishes Pierre is his tonal control and restraint. He rarely indulges in gratuitous speed or flamboyance just to impress; instead, his solos reveal patience, melodic logic, and space between notes. That space allows listeners to digest and engage. Many guitarists fill every moment, but Pierre often allows time to breathe. That considered pacing gives room for emotional moments to land. Of course, he can accelerate or intensify when appropriate, but it’s always with musical purpose.
Another strength: authenticity in connection. Pierre Jaquinot doesn’t perform in a bubble. Audiences comment (for example, in private event feedback) that his playing “created the perfect ambience” and matched the emotional tone of the evening. Pierre also teaches—offering guitar tuition across styles, in person and online—which suggests his musical mind is not only about performing but also communicating his craft and nurturing others.
Of course, challenges arise, especially in larger or outdoor venues. As an acoustic or lightly amplified guitarist, some of the delicate tonal colors may be lost in ambient noise or in spaces with less-than-ideal acoustics. Also, in long engagements or dance-heavy settings, a solo or trio jazz performance may feel subtle next to louder genres. But these are not flaws in his artistry—they’re practical considerations for any jazz instrumentalist.
In summary, Pierre Jaquinot offers an exemplary balance of musical depth, quiet confidence, and audience connection. His performance is a conversation, not a monologue. If you’re seeking a guitarist who brings sophistication, melodic sensitivity, and a refined voice to your event—whether as background ambience, featured set, or collaborative moment—Pierre more than delivers. His music lingers in the room and in memory.
Act Highlights
- More than 40 years of professional playing experience across Australia and internationally
- Versatile performer: solo guitar, trio, collaborative settings, vocal accompaniment
- Wide repertoire: jazz standards, original works, vocal and instrumental arrangements
- Tonal control and pacing: pauses, dynamics, space in solos
- Teaching and mentoring presence: guitar lessons and online instruction
Suitable for these events: Cocktail evenings, weddings, corporate dinners, jazz concerts, lounge and restaurant settings, private celebrations.
Audience Type: Ideal for listeners who appreciate subtlety, melodic phrasing, jazz nuance, instrumental listening, and musical ambience that enriches but never overpowers.
