Within days after winning the EMMA Award (The Finnish Grammy) for jazz album of the year pianist Aki Rissanen is back in action. Aleatoric is Rissanen's trio collective with saxophonist Robin Verheyen and internationally famed drummer Markku Ounaskari. The new album "Songs for Solstice" is out on February 17th.
As the term 'aleatoric' implies the trio's music is formed in the here and now. Just like their previous album in 2013, the self-titled Aleatoric, the new Songs for Solstice album has been recorded live in action, only this time in front of an audience. (The previous being a 'live in the studio' -style effort.) Recorded during the 2015 live tour in Finland (organized by Charles Gil) Songs for Solstice captures the same timeless quality that is audible in some of the all time jazz classics. The magical string between the musicians and the audience. With influences also from classical chamber music the album sounds fresh but has its roots deep within the tradition of classic jazz albums.
The inspiration for Songs for Solstice lies in folkloric traditions, the balance between light and dark and the magical change of seasons. Verheyen and Rissanen have been playing together since their duo album Semplice in 2008. Drummer Ounaskari joined them for 2013's Aleatoric, released on Eclipse Music.
Aki Rissanen is one of the most interesting pianists of his generation in Europe. His previous album Amorandom was released in 2016 by the Brittish label Edition Records and received great success immediately. Amorandom won Jazz Album of the Year at the EMMA Awards, the Finnish equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Rissanen has also recently recorded with Dave Liebman and Verneri Pohjola
Sax player Robin Verheyen is well known as a brilliant composer. The Belgian has toured all over the world in recent years, including America, and is one of the resident artists at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Drummer Markku Ounaskari has won multiple awards and recorded for the ECM label. He is one of the most well known drummers in the European jazz scene. He is currently touring and recording with the Kari Ikonen Trio, Raoul Björkenheim Ecstacy and Sinikka Langeland.
ALEATORIC
Aki Rissanen - piano
Robin Verheyen - saxophone
Markku Ounakari - drums