Communiqué de presse en francais
Raoul Björkenheim, Jori Huhtala, Pauli Lyytinen, Markku Ounaskari / photo by Stefan Bremer
From the beginning of the millenium, Raoul Björkenheim has been improvising new music with many of the finest American and European musicians on the scene: Scorch Trio with Paal Nilssen-Love and Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, the trio with Hamid Drake and William Parker, another trio with Bill Laswell and Morgan Ågren, and duos with Lukas Ligeti, to name a few. Having lived in New York from 2001, where he soaked up many new approaches to music, he returned to Finland in 2008.
Björkenheim formed eCsTaSy, an all-finnish quartet, in 2010, bringing two young talents, Pauli Lyytinen and Jori Huhtala, into the spotlight in a repertory of original compositions painting swirling polyrhythms with a free-tonal palette. Björkenheim’s accomplice from many previous projects, Markku Ounaskari, brings his own subtle mastery into the mix, thus combining the sensibilities of three generations. With influences ranging from Korean and African music to contemporary chamber music and free rock, eCsTaSy’s mission is to elevate its audiences with high energy and a dedication to adventurous sound. The quartet released its first CD on Cuneiform Records in February 2014, Björkenheim’s fourth on that label.
Ecstasy Captures Finnish-American Guitarist/Composer/Improvisor Raoul Björkenheim, at the Peak of his Powers, Summoning Finland’s Most Talented Players to Create Heart-Stopping Sonic Vistas.
Press release of the album “eCsTasy” / Cuneiform Records – Rune 373
eCsTaSy
Raoul Björkenheim electric guitar
Pauli Lyytinen tenor and soprano saxophones
Jori Huhtala double bass
Markku Ounaskari drums
http://www.raoulbjorkenheimecstasy.net
For its first appearance in France from November 8th to 14th, eCsTaSy performs in three festivals in Tours, Nevers and Paris ; and two majors clubs of the country in Lyon and Avignon.
Tour program
08/11 Tours, Petit faucheux / festival Emergences
10/11 Nevers, Auditorium Jean Jaurès / festival Nevers D’Jazz
12/11 Paris, Institut Finlandais / festival Jazzy Colors
13/11 Lyon, Le Périscope
14/11 Avignon, AJMI
Tour production and tour management: Charles Gil, Vapaat äänet (Helsinki)
Tour support: MES The Finnish Music Foundation (tbc)