Esther Callens

Esther Callens for The Birmingham Times

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What more need to be said about Yelena Eckemoff? Besides the fact that she is an exceptional pianist/composer who has released numerous recordings that attests to it. In keeping step with her progression, her latest collection, Flying Steps, is merely a catapult boasting all and more that Eckemoff is capable of. With Flying Steps, Eckemoff dived within herself to compose such personal tracks such as “For Harry” and “Tomorrow” – which were birthed from her personal relationships.  With offering such as these, Eckemoff has produced a defining recording that shouts she has the stuff what jazz enthusiasts crave.

 

Esther Callens for Birmingham Times

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Cold Sun is the title of the latest offering from pianist/composer Yelena Eckemoff. Mystical, innate and intense are just a few monikers that would aptly describe this unusual recording. The musical conversation shared between the trio is astonishing to say the least.

With Mads Vinding on double bass, Peter Erskine on drums and Eckemoff of piano, Cold Sun delves into the stillness of winter offering such somber selections like “Alter Blizzard” “Freezing Point” and “Winter.” In contrast, “Romance By The Fireplace” offers a certain gaiety amid the tempo. All of the tracks paint a contain picture of exquisite chamber jazz.

Eckemoff was bon in Russia and started to play the piano by ear at the age of four. She took piano lessons from her mother as she was a professional. pianist and at the age of seven, she was accepted into Gressins, an elite school for the musically gifted. She taught piano afer she attained a Master’s degree in piano from Moscow State Conservatory.

After becoming a Christian, she and her husband fed the Soviet Union and since 1991 she has been living in the United States where she continues to perform and compose music. She resides on a Pine Tree farm in North Carolina.

 

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