On Times & Spaces solo saxophone meets live electronics. The disc is due out on 20 May on Eclipse Music.
On his new double album, saxophonist-composer Esa Pietilä embarks on an expedition into the world of free improvisation with sure steps. Times & Spaces sees Pietilä extend the expressive range of his instrument with the help of live electronics. Using motion sensors among other electronic equipment, he creates astonishing electro-acoustic landscapes and lofty sonic spaces. The upcoming disc will be released by Eclipse Music on 20 May.
There will be a launch concert at the German Church in Helsinki on 14 May at 6:00PM. In fact, both the acoustic Times and the electro-acoustic Spaces have been recorded at the Pyhtää Church in South-East Finland, and instead of the clinical coldness of the studio the church as an acoustic space lends a unique feel to the album. Thus, it makes sense to launch the album at a church, and Helsinki’s German Church whose acoustics is, according to Pietilä himself, one of Finland’s best, will no doubt provide a perfect setting for the saxophonist's new music.
Esa Pietilä (b. 1964) is known for his original virtuosic style that nods strongly to the traditions of avant-garde and free jazz. One of Finland’s foremost saxophonists, Pietilä is an internationally-recognised player in the field of jazz and contemporary music. He leads the quartet Liberty Ship whose debut album Approaching was shortlisted among the albums of the year in The New York City Jazz Record in 2013. He has premiered a number of works, including Concerto for Tenor Saxophone by Kalevi Aho, concerto entitled “Grounds” by Eero Hämeenniemi and concerto “Graffiti Play” by himself, with such orchestras as the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, Pori Sinfonietta, Lappeenranta Symphony Orchestra and SE Ensemble. Pietilä is a widely acknowledged composer whose works have been performed by such as Avanti! and Zagros Ensemble.
Times & Spaces will be issued by Tampere-based record label Eclipse Music on 20 May. The album will be available on CD and in digital format.
Times & Spaces Album Launch Show
Sat 14 May 2016 at 18.00
Saksalainen kirkko
Unioninkatu 1
00130 Helsinki
Tickets 15 €
http://esapietila.com/solo-saxophone
http://esapietila.com
http://www.eclipse-music.net
Photo: Patrik Stenström.