Finnish pianist Aki Rissanen has built an impressive discography through collaborations with artists including Rick Margitza, Dave Liebman and Randy Brecker, contributing to 18 albums as either leader or co-leader. Yet he is perhaps best known for the part he plays in leading one of European jazz’s most distinctive piano trios, the Aki Rissanen Trio.
The album Imaginary Mountains, the title of which is a nod to the influence of Keith Jarrett’s Personal Mountains (1989), features jazz with classical influences from Rissanen’s early training and also reflects his interest in electronic sounds. This is the fifth release from the trio, which features bassist Antti Lotjonen and drummer Teppo Mäkynen. Their long-time collaboration, both in the studio and on the road, is reflected in their…