Lugude nimekiri: 1.Mouse-Hunt (ft. Ingrid Jensen) 2.Sisu 3.Spielchen und Rechenschaft (ft. Ben Monder) 4.Song of Freedom 5.Partly Clouded 6.Pippi Longstocking 7.Lünk 06:35 8.Valse hésitante 9.Sheep Song Sisu marks the beginning of a new chapter for esteemed Estonian pianist and composer Kristjan Randalu – as his first large ensemble project recording. It’s also the debut outing for the New Wind Jazz Orchestra conducted by Wolf Kerschek and features special guest trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and guitarist Ben Monder. Founded in 2018 by Lauri Kadalipp, the New Wind Jazz Orchestra aims to amplify Estonian music internationally through new collaborations. Artistry is at the heart of the orchestra’s mission and so Randalu’s distinguished reputation (he has worked with the likes of David Liebman, Nils-Petter Molvær, and Dhafer Youssef) and smart repertoire were a perfect match for the jazz orchestra. Randalu says: “Now using all these different parts, voices, colors, options and instruments, I think it really enhances the musical material.” This nine-track record combines brand new, large ensemble arrangements of original compositions by Randalu, as well as reworkings of established pieces from the Estonian canon. There are no traditional “swing big band” sounds here; rather, the album features a myriad tapestry of intriguing, pulse-oriented arrangements. Randalu affirms: “My goal was not to put together a traditional big band program.” Sisu was recorded and produced with the utmost care and professionalism: “there´s no compromise with the production,” states Randalu. Mixed and mastered by the multi-Grammy-Award winning engineers Klaus Genuit and Tyler McDiarmid, the virtuosic rigor and passionate commitment have been employed by all the musicians to craft a landmark recording in Estonian contribution to music, as well as what will surely be considered a highlight for large jazz ensemble recordings released internationally in 2022.