Here/There
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The debut album from the Amsterdam resident and pianist Teemu Kekkonen, his brand of Scandinavian jazz welcomes Mikael Saastamoinen on bass and Roope Kantonen behind the drum kit for fascinating listen that’s not short on improvisation, grooves and rhythm.
The title track opens the listen with atmospheric drums, before graceful piano and very precise bass enter a very warm climate, and “Moksha” follows with swift key progressions, as a hypnotic quality surrounds the agile delivery.
In the middle, the dynamic “Dragonflies In July” alternates between busy and bare textures of beauty and mystery, while “Melancholia” is indeed reflective, and emits a rare intimacy thanks to Kekkonen’s thoughtful piano playing.
The final track, “Smile”, is among the best, and offers light melodies, where the cozy bass and very subtle drums complement the poetic piano.
An excellent starting point for Kekkonen, influences like Vijay Iyer, Brad Mehldau and The Bad Plus won’t go unnoticed, and his formative years absorbing Chick Corea and Bill Evans’ records is certainly part of the timeless formula that makes this European trio worth repeated listens.
Travels well with: Tuomo & Markus- Dead Circles; Foaie Verde- Phoenix: Balkans And Beyond