Hailing from Kuopio, Finland, Aki Rissanen is one of the most talented and creative artists of his generation. An accomplished pianist, composer and keyboardist, his solo and trio albums have earned him global recognition, along with membership and collaborations with various bands and projects. Originally classically trained, he cultivated his passion for jazz and improvised music later studying in Paris, Cologne and New York. Rissanen rightfully brings his technical abilities and sensibilities to the fore on the recently released Hyperreal, a powerful, beautiful and engaging album filled with virtuosity. We’re stoked to have him put together this month’s sublime mixtape, encapsulating the influences at play in his own music.
- Art Tatum – Taboo
[Clef Records] - Atomic – Boom Boom
[Jazzland Recordings] - Arve Henriksen – Bird’s-Eye View
[Rune Grammofon] - Bill Evans Trio – Gloria’s Step (Take 2)
[Riverside Records] - Serge Gainsbourg – Requiem pour un con
[Philips] - Artemis Quartet – Prestissimo (Ligeti’s String Quartet n.1)
[Westdeutscher Rundfunk / Ars Musici] - Ahmad Jamal – But Not For me
[Parrot] - Louis Sclavis – Maputo
[Premonition Records] - Brad Mehldau Trio – Knives Out
[Nonesuch] - Alfons & Aloys Kontarsky – Bewegung (Ligeti’s 3 pieces for 2 pianos)
- Miles Davis – Directions (Live at Filmore West)
[Rock Melon Music LTD] - Bill Frisell & Fred Hersch – It Might As Well Be Spring
[Nonesuch] - A Camp – The Crowning
[Reveal Records / Nettwerk]
