Audio Review: 3 + 1 by Kasperi Sarikoski
3 + 1 (2020)
Outside in Music
Kasperi Sarikoski, Trombone
Simón Willson, Bass
Francesco Ciniglio, Drums
Christian Li, Piano
Trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski is quite familiar with the NYC scene having studied at The Juilliard School, played with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and several A-list artists. After completing his Artist Diploma at Juilliard, Sarikoski moved back to his native country Finland to continue his music career. Currently, lead trombonist for the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Sarikoski’s newest album 3+1 follows his freshman album Essence, released with his quintet in 2015.
As “The Opening” track lays down the cool vibe of the album, the musical conversation between Sarikoski and bassist Simón Willson gives the listener a glimpse of how chill yet modern this album will be. Throughout the entire album, Sarikoski successfully challenges himself by being the solo horn and melodic player as the trio consists of Sarikoski on trombone, Willson on bass, and Francesco Ciniglio on drums. “Slow Morning Coffee” creates that bluesy feel of every person waking up to start that always needed ritual. “Onward and Upward” indicates why the album is called “3+1” as this is the only track that adds a fourth member to the trio, pianist Christian Li.
All throughout the album, Sarikoski has composed beautiful melodies that are creative and spirit-moving. By showing the different moods and styles that the trombone can mirror through its bell, Sarikoski gives a clear voice of who he is and what he is about. These tunes will stay in your head.
Tracklist:
1 The Opening
2 Great Lawn Oval
3 Birchwood
4 Slow Morning Coffee
5 Onward And Upward
6 Leonard Street
7 Wide Lanes
8 Introduction to Such Sweet Sorrow
9 Such Sweet Sorrow
10 Wide Lanes (Alternate Take)
Click here to learn more about Kasperi Sarikoski.
