Looking Aki Takase

Saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and pianist Aki Takase initially performed together at Jazzfest Berlin in 2016, and they turned that encounter into ongoing spirited dialogues three years later for theirs first duo disc. As with Takase`s recent solo album, Hokusai, and Laubrock's small group albums, they unravel a series of sudden twists throughout a set of brief compositions. Serious technique support that playfulness here, as does a warm mutual empathy.

We hear juicy, fine and atmospheric jazz from two such unusual imitators, musicians and wonderful instrumentalists. Familiar themes take on completely new colors in their interpretation, especially since the closeness and intimacy of this musical encounter can be heard in their duo.

Aki Takase is making a real burden for herself with this the latest in her hopefully ongoing series of Intakt releases. With every successive one it's not just a simple matter of the quality going up but rather a matter of different facets of her ability being revealed. As these releases have all been documents of duos, the effect is almost rhetorical, as if she's intent on making a case for that sparse setting and what can be achieved in it.

The pianist, two days in the studio, alone at the piano. A retreat in Zurich. Focus is on the now, the recording is running. Preparation time for the new compositions: about a year. Getting attuned to the music: a lifetime. Alexander von Schlippenbach, Slow Pieces For Aki, the emphasis being on the word “slow,” not on rediscovering slowness but discovering slowness anew - dedicated to his wife Aki Takase. with slow pieces, short pieces, compositions in which every single note demands the highest degree of attention, virtuosity shifts from the purely technical to the actual notes themselves, avoiding all irrel - evancies. Sounds that are able to glow in the dark and form themselves into star signs. it is not only Jazz and new Music that appear from far away, but also classical and romantic music, always reflected by the personality, the life and playing experience of Alexander von Schlippenbach. From my subjective point of view, dare i suggest, there is a certain serious lyricism. Slow, full of passion and filled with dedication to the music.

Known for drawing unusual sonorities from conventional instruments, Xenakis strangely left the piano's potential for novel sounds unexplored. In these works, Xenakis stays on the keyboard without so much as a plucked string or any use of gadgetry to alter the instrument's sound. Although that might make these pieces appear less radical, even "safe," Xenakis exploits every other option available.

Two of today’s most exciting artists on the international opera scene meet for a very personal project. Audax Records has followed Adriana González's career since its beginnings and offered carte blanche to the artist who invited Marina Viotti to join her for this program devised by Iñaki Encina Oyón. A florilegium of French duos by composers such as Fauré, Franck, Chausson, Massenet, Gounod, Lalo, Delibes, Viardot, Widor, Paladilhe, Devéria, Chaminade and Puget, including several world premiere recordings.

The Finnish artist’s solo selection of delicate and ethereal compositions for piano, electronics and the incredible, one-of-a-kind Omniwerk.

Hyperreal is the mesmerising new album and project by acclaimed Finnish pianist, blending compelling and complex soundscapes with the shimmering emotive and poignant trumpet melodies from Verneri Pohjola's emotive and the deep drive and irresistible grooves crafted by Robert Ikiz.