Swedish Footprint Records released pianist Toivanen's new solo album internationally on the 24th of February. The Finnish release was in the end of last year. Toivanen explores the dimensions of his instrument on the "Polarities" album.
Such terms as “lyricism” and “delicacy” describe Toivanen's pianism well; his technique serves the content, the story, in the music all the time. On the Polarities album he uses various preparations on his piano, and as a result the instrument gets a new and exciting role. Usually a prepared piano sounds hard and percussive, but using i.e. magnets Toivanen has found also softer tones and melodies.
Joona Toivanen has released four albums with his trio, and this is his first solo album.