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Here/There

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Teemu Kekkonen

Label: Teemu Kekkonen Music
Released: 2022
Duration: 00:46:43
Views: 711

Tracks

Here/There; Moksha; Dragonfly meditation; Dragonflies in July; Melancholia; Matkustaja; Endless Joy; Smile.

Personnel

Additional Personnel / Information

All composed/arranged by Teemu Kekkonen, except Matkustaja by Knipi - Recorded by Mikko Raita at Kallio-Kuninkala Studios, Finland on Dec 20-21 2021 - Mixed by Mikko Raita at Studio Kekkonen - Mastered by Darius van Helfteren - Produced by Teemu Kekkonen - Album cover by Teemu Kekkonen

Album Description

Finland’s position on the European jazz scene may sometimes be overshadowed by its prolific neighbour Denmark, but rising star pianist Teemu Kekkonen’s debut album Here/There (September 16th 2022) showcases just the sort of hidden gems are prime for discovering. Fresh from his studies at the famed Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he leads his piano trio through a set of original music drenched with charm, sensitivity and the style of melodic interplay which put Scandinavian Jazz on the map. Compatriots Mikael Saastamoinen (bass) and Roope Kantonen (drums) provide not just the perfect foundation for these melodic adventures, but hint at yet another enduring trio outfit for the European scene. Behind the seven original pieces and the one cover tune are real-life stories from the past ten years. The album cover, designed by Teemu, is a rendition of the symbol in infinity which strives to relate his thoughts on creating music. “In each individual’s experience, the past and present together create a unity from which we subconsciously draw ways of thinking and behaving. Creating music is similar for me. I fall into a timeless space where everything is possible and from which it’s possible to draw endless joy. From this space the music which I’ve been drawn to comes out in an intuitive way”, Teemu describes. Raised on his father’s record collection, the Finnish pianist spent his early years dipping between jazz stalwarts such as Chick Corea and Bill Evans and homegrown heroes like pianist/composer Iiro Rantala. Grounded by thoughtful composition ‘Here/There’ takes the listener on a series of musical adventures; improvisatory journeys which rise from warm, familiar melodies and subtle lilting grooves and cacophonous trio passages complete with rhythmic interplay and ear-catching effects. Whilst the music gives more than a passing nod to modern influences like Vijay Iyer, Brad Mehldau and The Bad Plus, Kekkonen’s openness to everything from Ravel to pop, gospel and traditional Finnish music provides a highly individual twist on the classic trio format, for an experience that is equally calming and exhilarating.