|
Icelandic pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs bridges the Brooklyn-Reykjavík jazz devide, combining the elegance of the European approach with a fiery New York drive.
The Washington Post described it, “such timeless virtues as lyricism and grace... elegantly bridges soul-searching passages with uncluttered swing.” Her quartet allows full expressive range. Fresh and bright, hear why Time Out NY says Sunna “is proof that jazz is as much a part of the picture as the pop of Björk or SigurRos.”
Sunna has found a way to make music that people on both sides of the Atlantic can relate to. Her own charming brand of romantic lyricism riding atop a driving American rhythm section appeals to jazzers and non-jazzers alike. Highly influenced by such American pianists as Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, and Scandinavians like Bobo Stenson, “Gunnlaugs proves that jazz can have a wider appeal without losing integrity” – All About Jazz
Her 2000 release “Mindful” [Sunny Sky 720] was chosen as one of the top 10 CDs of the year by the Virginian Pilot. “Fagra Veröld” [Sunny Sky 721], a collection of Sunna’s compositions to Icelandic poetry, was nominated as the best jazz CD of 2002 in Iceland and received rave reviews in All About Jazz. “Live In Europe” [Sunny Sky 722] which was recorded during the quartet’s tour of Europe in 2002 stayed on CMJ’s jazz charts for 4 weeks, peaking at number 8. Gunnlaugs latest release is "Songs from Iceland" (2009).
|
