"A very special Voyage In Time in which you are all invited to take part."
– Enrico Pieranunzi & Jasper Somsen
Pure jazz albums—that's what the past three albums featuring Pieranunzi and Somsen have been. Now they come together on their second album for Challenge Records, following Common View (2020). This time it's a special recording, different from before in both line-up and material.
Voyage in Time is a suite for piano and double bass in nine parts based on a free interpretation of the dance suites characteristic of the Baroque era. Those who associate Pieranunzi and Somsen with jazz will be surprised by titles like 'Menuet,' 'Courante,' and 'Pavane.' But those more familiar with these musicians will recognize their shared passion for classical music.
The suite, composed by Jasper Somsen, reflects this love for classical music and combines classical forms with a more open, improvised approach. Thus the movements 'Pavane' and 'Finale' are a tribute to Gabriel Fauré. The result is a kind of journey back and forth between the musical languages of today and of yesteryear.
Enrico Pieranunzi is internationally regarded as one of the most prominent and brilliant jazz pianists on the European jazz scene. The pianist/composer/arranger has released more than 70 albums under his own name, from solo piano, duo, trio to quintet. Pieranunzi has composed more than 300 pieces, which he has performed worldwide at prestigious international festivals such as those in Montreal, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Copenhagen. He was named Artist of the Year three times by Musica Jazz magazine (1989, 2003, and 2008) and won the French Django d'Or award as best European musician. In 2014 he received the German Echo Jazz Award as "Best International Keyboard Artist."
Double bassist/composer/producer Jasper Somsen has collaborated with many major names from the international jazz scene including Peter Erskine, Lynne Arriale, Joey Calderazzo, Bob Sheppard, Jeff Ballard, Seamus Blake, Kendrick Scott, and Gabriele Mirabassi. Somsen performs around the world and can be heard on more than 40 albums. He has released seven albums on Challenge Records, including the upcoming release: John Helliwell – Jasper Somsen feat. Hans Vroomans & Marcel Serierse "Don't Ever Leave Me" (November 2022). Additionally, Jasper Somsen has also produced the latest albums by Bob Sheppard, Lynne Arriale, and Jean-Michel Pilc for Challenge Records. Since 2021 he has been teaching at ArtEZ University of the Arts, Arnhem (Netherlands).
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