Aki Rissanen, b. 1980 pianist, keyboardist, composer, band leader, educator Aki Rissanen, b. 1980 in Kuopio, Finland, is a Finnish pianist and composer. Although originally classically trained Rissanen has always had a heart for improvisation and jazz. His studies include classical piano at the Kuopio Conservatory in Finland, jazz and improvised music at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique in Paris, France and jazz piano and composition at the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department in Finland, where he received the Master’s degree in 2009. His teachers include Jarmo Savolainen, Jukkis Uotila, Kirmo Lintinen, John Taylor, Jim Beard, Anders Jormin, Hervé Sellin, Markku Hyvärinen, Jouni Kuronen, Seppo Kantonen, Pessi Levanto and Mikael Jakobsson. Rissanen has released three albums under his own name and has recorded so far 15 sideman albums with such names as Rick Margitza, Tim Hagans, Magnus Broo, Jim Beard, Pekka Pohjola, Juhani Aaltonen and Pepa Päivinen. He has performed on stage with Randy Brecker, Mats Gustafsson, Sten Sandell, Ingrid Jensen, Michael Gibbs, Barry Guy, Daniel Humair, Bill Watrous, Jukka Perko, Eero Koivistoinen, Ulf Krokfors and Markku Ounaskari among others. Rissanen has worked extensively with the Finnish Radio Big Band, UMO Jazz Orchestra and is a member of Finnish bands such as Verneri Pohjola Aurora, Reactor-5, Jussi Lehtonen Band, Warp!, Mia Simanainen, Brut and SuomiSolmu. He co-leads international groups Aki Rissanen-Robin Verheyen Duo (FIN-BEL), White Light Quartet (FIN-FRA-BEL), Belfin Quartet (FIN-BEL) and Thalassa (FIN-GER-NOR). He has performed in most of the European countries, USA, China and Africa. Rissanen is renowned both domestically and internationally, trophys and prizes granted by, for example: - The Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland (the 2nd prize winner in the Solo Piano Competition, 2004). - La Defense Festival, Paris, France (prizes for a best soloist and repertoire), 2006. - The Young Nordic Jazz Comets Competition, Helsinki, Finland (winner of the Finnish trial in 2003 and 2005). Rissanen received an 1-year artist grant from the Finnish Cultural Foundation in 2009. Press Quotes ------"Aki Rissanen is one of the most -if not THE MOST- gifted pianist of Finland's young generation. Going from classical to jazz and back, his performances are always something unique." -Weblo Magazine, Athens November 2008 ------"Aki Rissanen strengthens his stature in the front line of Finnish jazz" -Jukka Piiroinen, Pohjolan Sanomat, Finland ------"In a recital which was one of the high points of the festival, Aki Rissanen proved to be a gifted pianist and natural improviser whose exquisite impressionism, whether in composition or in his three spontaneous improvisations, reflected the influence of classical harmony, particularly French models like Messaien and Debussy." -Ray Komiskey, Irish Times, Ireland ------”We get about 100 new albums a DAY coming in here now (about 100.000 total) and this (Warp!: One Note Stories) is one of the best we’ve ever heard. Delving deep into the harmonic warmth and depth of jazz, directed and crafted with classical compositional style, the emotional dialogue between pianist Aki Rissanen and vocalist Eeppi Ursin is absolutely exquisite.” -Tamara Turner, CD-Baby, USA 2005. ------ “I've had a chance to savour your music and am delighted - really beautiful, engaging. Of particular interest was your piano solo on Haute Couture, the bass figure and trumpets on Gokkuru, Divided - my type of melody, and I loved your unaccompanied piano solo on I'm Innocent..” –Michael Gibbs, on One Note Stories- album