Winner of the first Montreux Jazz Festival International Piano Solo Competition in 1999, Leo Tardin conceived Grand Pianoramax as an all live keyboards/drums duo with guest MCs/vocalists, blending powerful analog-synth bass lines, syncopated keys, organic drumming and freestyle spoken word improv/slam.

Taking full advantage of this minimal and flexible set-up, Leo Tardin took up the challenge of developing hybrid stylistic directions in their most essential renditions by joining forces with first-class NYC artists such as drum masters Jojo Mayer, Deantoni Parks and spoken word poets Mike Ladd, Celena Glenn, Detroit-based activist/rapper Invincible and French folk/hip-hop artist Spleen.