Eckemoff, Yelena
L&H Production, 2019, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 26.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 77
O’s Notes: Classically trained Russian pianist and composer Yelena Eckemoff has been performing in the US since 1991 where she successfully transitioned to jazz. Her music is peaceful, progressive and intriguing. Her latest release Nocturnal Animals is appropriately titled as she provides an aural illustration of the vast sundown creatures with 14 songs over 2 discs. The band is a quartet with Arild Anderson (b), Jon Christensen (d, perc) and Thomas Strønen (d, perc). The liner notes (booklet) are excellent with band photographs and descriptions of each of the creatures (Bat, Fox, Wolf, Lynx…) phrased in the first person. It is a powerful educational tool, especially for home schoolers while listening to the accompanying music!
Publicist: Terri Hinte
