| Jazz |
“We are always delighted to receive albums from Denmark, as in this case, or from Finland or Sweden—countries where the training of musicians is of exceptional quality. This enables us to discover young artists from the European jazz scene, such as this young composer and pianist Rasmus Sørensen. Rasmus Sørensen moved to New York in 2018 and has since garnered wide recognition for his accessible yet avant-garde style, both as a musician and composer. Having collaborated with a broad range of artists across various genres over the years and having extensively toured, his debut trio album, *Traits*, was released on June 17, 2022. It reflects his view of the world around us, seen through his musical lens.
Thus, we savor here an inspiration born of two cultures: his native roots and the New York extravagance so vividly portrayed in Paul Auster’s *New York Trilogy*. This work carries a melodic sensibility that slips seamlessly from one track to the next, narrating its story. Does an element of folklore remain in his approach to composition? I would tend to say yes, in spirit. Undoubtedly, Rasmus Sørensen is a man of multiple cultures, which he loves to bring into a dreamlike and poetic universe where he alone holds the reins. There is no passive contemplation here; the rhythm pulses like the heartbeat of a city—vibrant, sometimes loud, or hushed within a park, where only the cries and laughter of playing children can break the reverie.
Born and raised in a highly musical family in northern Denmark, Rasmus quickly developed a passion for music and became a sought-after pianist from an early age. At 19, he chose to study jazz at the Skurups Folkhögskola in Sweden and moved to Copenhagen the following year to experience life as a professional musician. Ultimately, he decided to cross the Atlantic the next year to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he was awarded a full scholarship through his audition. Of course, musical training in Europe still often passes through classical music, and that structural influence is evident here. Yet, the composer is unmistakably modern, with jazz serving as the vessel to elevate his expression.
Often, we seek a musician’s distinctive mark; here, from the very first listen, we notice a style that is both subtle and firmly rooted—a music that nourishes the intellect, ignites a thirst for learning, and inspires conversation. This is logical, given his journey: Rasmus Sørensen has been guided by some of the most significant contemporary musicians and educators, including Buster Williams, Phil Markowitz, Stefon Harris, Dayna Stephens, John Riley, Lenny White, and Rogerio Boccato. He has had the opportunity to perform alongside many prominent figures of the New York jazz scene and to showcase his music in prestigious venues such as The Jazz Gallery, Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Cafe Bohemia, 55 Bar, and Ornithology Jazz Club. Here, you won’t find grandiose effects; art lies at the heart of the arrangements, and there is plenty here to enjoy. Each moment is a pleasure; every note from this magical trio is appreciated, and frankly, it feels wonderful! This album, of course, falls into our ‘essentials’ category.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, November 1st 2024
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