Kuara

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Cat No: 2733217

Release Date: 18 October 2010

Label: ECM

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 602527332178

Genres: Folk

Description
'Kuara' introduces a Finnish-Norwegian trio with some fresh perspectives on music making - drummer Markku Ounaskari, pianist Samuli Mikkonen and trumpeter/vocalist Per Jorgensen. The source material for improvising on this highly attractive album is Russian psalms and folk songs of the Finno-Ugric diaspora, songs of the Udmurtian, Vepsian and Karelian peoples.
When this trio plays, melodies unfurl slowly, textures are carefully explored, solos are weighted with silence. This is contemplative music in the best sense. The group has its own sound, yet fits well into an ECM tradition of space-conscious improvising, of creating music that feels free yet reveals a strong sense of form.

Drummer Markku Ounaskari and pianist Samuli Mikkonen have collaborated in many 'jazz' groups over the years but they've always been players open to more than just jazz. Ounaskari was last heard on ECM in the company of folk singer Sinikka Langeland ('Starflowers') and both he and Mikkonen have worked with Finnish group Piirpauke, pioneers in the fusing of folk, jazz and 'world music' elements. In recent years Mikkonen - who makes his ECM debut here - has been increasingly inspired by different folk musics, from his own Fenno-Ugrian roots through Middle East and Chinese modal improvisations to the vast diversity of grooves in West Africa and Brazil. At the same time his work is informed by extensive classical studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

Ounaskari has played with all the major Finnish jazz figures, and with international players including Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, Tomasz Stanko and Marc Ducret. Norwegian trumpeter/singer Per Jorgensen is well known to ECM listeners for his recordings with Jon Balke, Michael Mantler and Miki N'Doye.

Personnel: Per Jorgensen (trumpet, voice), Samuli Mikkonen (piano), Markku Ounaskari (drums)
Tracklisting