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Take Five With Esa Pietila
Esa´s original style and various projects—trio, new quartet (formed 2008, with ECM artist Iro Haarla, solo saxophone concerts and more, have stabilized his position performing on the national/international jazz circuit, and have led him to dates in Italy, Germany, Norway, Sweden, France, The Netherlands, Austria, Iceland, England, USA, Australia, New Zeeland, Brazil and Cuba. He has performed with the names like Ron McClure, Mathias Eick, Mike Nock, Claudio Fasoli, Heiri Kaenzig, Anders Begcrantz, Odean Pope, Raoul Bjorkenheim, Brian Melvin, Iro Haarla, Filip Augustson, Hilmar Jensson, Johannes Messinger, Kjartan Valdemarsson, Fabian Kuratli and many others.
Instrument(s):
Saxophones.
Teachers and/or influences?
Teachers: various, but to pick one: Dave Liebman.
I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I was 13.
Your sound and approach to music: free improv.
Favorite venue:
Padova Jazz Festival, Italy
Your favorite recording in your discography and why? Solo album, Karhea, because it expanded my expression to the level of fully improvised solo sax.
What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically? Delivering the message of improvised music.
How would you describe the state of jazz today? Versatile and growing.
What is in the near future? The fall season of 2010 starts with: a series of four solo concerts in Finland during the fall; an interesting project of the 21st Century Baroque Trio performing avant-garde versions of Henry Purcell's songs; a concert with piano guest Michael Jefry Stevens (USA) and cellist Juho Laitinen. Esa Pietilä's 4 Streams group has a new repertoire that will be premiered at the Rytmihairio club in October.
Photo Credit
Maarit Kytöharju
About Esa Pietila
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