April Records announce the signing of rising-star Danish pianist Rasmus Sørensen with not just a new release ("Balancing Act") but the first LP and CD outing for his acclaimed 2022 debut Traits. Recorded back home in Denmark, Sørensen's powerful debut, inspired by the scenery, feelings and momentum of his time in New York, where he graduated on a full-scholarship from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Released somewhat quietly on digital services in June 2022, it nonetheless led to an enthusiastic press response and a fifteen date European tour, marking Sørensen out as 'one to watch' on the burgeoning international jazz scene. Recorded in rural Denmark with Jon Henriksson (double bass) and Francesco Ciniglio (drums) the record is rooted in tradition with a vivacious forward-thinking sense of modernity. Equally footed in the American and European contemporary idioms, harmonically dense passages of solo piano, playful up-tempo swing, and intricate rhythmic phrasing are among the ingredients employed by the ensemble to offer up their perspective on the trio format. Featuring a selection of Sørensen's original pieces, the pianist's voice and skill as both a composer and instrumentalist feels informed, accomplished and meticulously crafted; more likely belonging to someone with a careers-worth of experience to draw on, than a debut. With two records out with barely a quarter of the year done, 2024 seems set to bring Rasmus Sørensen's highly individual piano touch to a much wider audience.
