With his debut album on ECM, Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu presents a selection of distinctive, structured, yet lyrical compositions. The music is sensitively interpreted by a trio formed specifically for this recording, consisting of American guitarist Ben Monder and Finnish drummer Markku Ounaskari. Randalu, who possesses exceptional technique and a pronounced sense of form and improvisation, has been described by Herbie Hancock, among others, as "a dazzling pianist." Although his musical roots lie in jazz, his works reveal a particular sensitivity to structure and dynamics. He counts composers Erkki-Sven Tüür and Tõnu Kõrvits among his mentors. The album "Absence" was recorded in July 2017 at La Buissonne Studios in southern France and produced by Manfred Eicher.
