Aki Rissanen Trio Releases New Album: Imaginary Mountains

Finnish pianist and composer Aki Rissanen returns with a bold new album, Imaginary Mountains, a Nordic jazz statement rooted in rhythmic intensity, sonic exploration, and emotional depth. Known for his acclaimed work with the Aki Rissanen Trio on albums such as Amorandom and Art in Motion, Rissanen continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of form, space, and expression.

“The title Imaginary Mountains refers to the emotional and psychological obstacles that can feel as real and massive as physical landscapes,” Rissanen explains. “It also nods to one of my favorite records growing up—Keith Jarrett’s Personal Mountains. In a world shaped by war, chaos, and numbness, this album is my way of climbing those unseen peaks.”

The Omniwerk is an instrument of unique conception – an experimental hybrid keyboard invented by Finnish instrument builders Jonte Knif and Jukka Ollikka inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s original concept. It both plucks and bows, combining a baroque era lute-harpsichord and violin sound in one.