String jazz theory: Fusion violin master Jean-Luc Ponty and band take stage at Music Hall

Violinist Jean Luc Ponty was born in a family of classical musicians in Avranches, France. His father taught violin, his mother taught piano. At 16, he was admitted to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, graduating two years later with the institution's highest award, Premier Prix.

Soon, the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane inspired him to cultivate his newfound jazz voice using his talents on the violin.

So it was that Ponty found himself leading a dual musical life: rehearsing and performing with the orchestra while also playing jazz at clubs throughout Paris. By 1969, Ponty's voracious musical appetite veered him toward experimental rock and the same year Frank Zappa composed the music for Jean-Luc's solo album King Kong  on Blue Note. At the urging of Zappa and the Mothers of Invention Ponty moved to America.

1n 1996 he recorded Live at Chene Park in Detroit. It was released in February 1997 by Atlantic Records. The 2009 US tour includes side players William Lecomte (keyboards), Damien Schmitt (drums) and Baron Browne (bass). Get a taste of Jean-Luc Ponty live here.

At the Music Hall, 350 Madison St., downtown Detroit. Thursday, Nov. 19. 8 p.m. For ticket info go here.