Rasmus Sørensen, Alexander Claffy & Kendrick Scott - Balancing Act (2024)

Drummer Kendrick Scott and bassist Alexander Claffy join rising-star Danish pianist Rasmus Sørensen for the release of a special trio project - Balancing Act - recorded in true jazz spirit in the heart of New York City.

Timeless repertoire and intricate originals combine in a piano trio session which captures the tradition of years gone by: three players meeting in a studio to produce music which somehow sounds as if they spent a lifetime together.

Sørensen relocated to New York City in 2018 to pursue his studies at the Manhattan School of Music on a full-tuition scholarship and within five years had proved himself as a compelling creative force, playing alongside some of the scene’s most reputable musicians and performing his original compositions in some of the world’s most revered jazz clubs.

In line with New York’s fast paced spirit, the session with Claffy and Scott was set up, planned and recorded within a matter of days, with the musicians meeting on the day and spending just three hours together in the studio.

It’s something of a rite of passage for pianists to showcase their treatment of classic jazz repertoire; Sørensen choses a selection of Great American Songbook classics and a lesser-known Coltrane number for this, his sophomore album. Alongside a handful of originals, the recording with two veterans of New York’s prestigious scene is a masterclass in energetic, spontaneous, playful and exciting piano trio playing.

Effortless groove, rich contemporary harmony, virtuosic improvisations, dextrous rhythmic complexity and intricate arrangements make for an adventurous and thrilling listen; the first meeting of three fearless and experienced masters of their craft.

Jazz is no stranger to the concept of passing the baton from one generation to the next, not through loud exclamations and accolades, but by who the greats choose to work with. With Balancing Act, Sørensen has not only produced a beautiful trio album, but staked his claim - with the help of Scott and Claffy - as one of the ones-to-watch from the new generation of pianists.

Rasmus Sørensen, piano
Alexander Claffy, double bass
Kendrick Scott, drums

Tracklist
01. Is That So
02. Steps Ahead
03. Blissful Ignorance
04. Mr. Day
05. Courage
06. Everything I Love