It would be easy to resort to stereotypes in describing a Nordic piano trio. And, in fact, you might say why break the stereotype when you possess such a great asset which is, after all, undoubtedly Nordic? Aki Rissanen and his band are not in the business of reinventing the wheel when it comes to piano trios. However they're confident enough to dare reimagine a jazz piano trio from the north, one that storms the conventional Nordic jazz barricades. Those who subscribe to the stereotype of the Nordic piano trio will be both rewarded and pleasantly surprised!
Another North is the flamboyant and rhythmically intense new album from Finnish pianist Aki Rissanen on British Edition Records. Demonstrating massive progression the music shines very brightly and not only confirms the trio’s promise and right to command international attention but does so with style, grace and elegance. Following the acclaimed release in 2016 of ‘Amorandom’ which collected many 5 star accolades and the prestigious Finnish Grammy, for the best jazz album of the year ,the group has now distinguished itself as a trio with real vision and a drive to explore new directions.
Aki Rissanen and his band of roving Finns have avoided the clichés of the 'Nordic' piano trio. Instead of focusing on creating space and minimalist touch the trio relish a new world of rhythmic intensity, pulsating grooves, hypnotic loops brought together in an intuitive desire to explore. This band commands your attention.
As Aki Rissanen explains: “With Amorandom, we briefly explored a more energetic world in our approach to our music with compositions such as ‘Bird Vision’. As we toured and developed that music over the last 18 months, our desire to delve deeper in this direction became stronger. As a trio we wanted to collectively discover a greater intensity and energy, to stand out as a trio from the North. This music is the sum of that exploration”.
As one of the leading ensembles on the vibrant Finnish scene the Aki Rissanen Trio has reset its compass and is heading into new territories that will inevitably lead to greater international attention. It is reconceptualising what is possibly for the piano trio, what is possible for jazz from the Nordic countries, what is possible for European music.
This is the Aki Rissanen Trio. This is their Another North.
