This debut album by Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu has him in a trio setting with Ben Monder/g and Markku Ounaskari/dr. The moods created by the three are deep and dark atmospheres, evocative abstractions like the edgy “Lumi I” with fragrant guitar musings, or “Lumi II” as Randalu creates piano ripples trickling down rocky cliffs. Ounaskari’s gentle drums canter the team along as Randalu softly gallops of “Forecast” while his brushes form a mist with the pianist’s lyricisms of “Abstract.” Guitar and piano creates waves of drama for “Partly Clouded” with Monder’s pedals pushing electronic colors during the rubato’d “Adaptational I” or the gentle “Adaptation II.” Impressionistic sounds in grey.
ECM Records