US based Finnish pianist Anni Kiviniemi debuts her trio featuring
bassist Eero Tikkanen and drummer Hans Hulbaekmo (from Gard Nilssen's
Supersonic Orchestra and Moskus). The new album "Eir", out on We Jazz
Records 12 Jan 2024, is an introspective, moody, yet swinging trio set
comprising of 8 Kiviniemi originals. Modeled for a classic jazz piano
trio, Kiviniemi's music reaches far beyond, bringing together influences
from classical music, Norwegian musical tradition and North African
music.
Of her compositional process, Kiviniemi says:
"I always gravitate towards the unknown in music and, I suppose, in
life. If I hear an unusual melody or a bizarre chord that I don’t
immediately recognise, I need to jump on the piano and figure out what
it is. Then I play around with it a bit, making sure I understand it and
that I’m able to use it in a different context in the future. I always
set strict limitations on myself as a composer, but give my fellow
musicians the complete freedom to interpret my music in their own way.
If they want to change something, they’re free to do so. I love being
surprised as a bandleader. It teaches me a lot, which is always fun. I’d
say the album is 95% improvised but when we play live, we edge towards 99%."
Named after Kiviniemi's daughter, who was born after the recording of
the album, but before its release. This also highlights the nature of
the record, which is highly intimate, pulling the listener in for the
finer details, while flowing along with the overall sound.
Tracklist:
1. Tiu Dropar
2. Gwendolyn
3. Judy
4. Arguably
5. Atoms
6. Mére
7. Mengi
8. Chora