How long is now ?

Description

This new album by Iiro Rantala confirms that the pianist is currently going through a very rich creative phase. The album is full of joy, vitality, simple and catchy melodies; moreover, the Finn constantly shows a sharp and communicative sense of humor. Accompanied and supported by a top-notch rhythm section in the persons of Peter Erskine and Lars Danielsson, Iiro Rantala offers us seven new compositions, three tracks by other members of the trio, as well as three covers of artists who have each influenced the pianist in their own way: Jimi Hendrix, Kenny Barron, and Johann Sebastian Bach. "My guiding idea for this recording was to avoid being a standard piano trio; I wanted to place groove and simple melodies at the heart of the music," says Iiro. He continues: "I really like Peter Erskine's playing; I grew up listening to Steps Ahead and Weather Report. I felt like I had wings with Peter and Lars by my side." The soundscapes also draw from Nordic folklore, tango, Eastern music, classical, chamber jazz, etc. An album that will delight all fans of an open, modern piano trio that strongly affirms its love of life and discovery.