For his debut on the ECM label, Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu surrounded himself with American guitarist Ben Monder and Finnish drummer Markku Ounaskari. A combination suggested by Manfred Eicher, the producer of this album recorded at La Buissonne in the summer of 2017. Absence is first and foremost a beautiful introduction to the ample and rather lyrical style of play of the musician who says he’s been most influenced by his fellow countrymen and composers Erkki-Sven Tüür and Tõnu Kõrvits. A former student of John Taylor and Django Bates, Randalu studied classical music for a long time before turning his attention to jazz. A knowledge that transpires in his piano as well as his writing. His impressive technique and the narrative power of his improvisations give his musical universe a multitude of colours. A palette that Ben Monder – a very much-underrated guitarist – and Markku Ounaskari take hold of in unison. © Max Dembo/Qobuz