"Perillä" is New York City based jazz drummer Joe Peri's debut album as a leader. The idea of forming the band came when Joe was on his way to the Helsinki airport and his cab driver said "Saadaan Peri perille!" ("Let's get Peri to the destination!") In Finnish "perillä" means "at the destination" but a play on words could have it translated literally as "at Peri".
The band features Joe's favorite Finnish musicians: Max Zenger, Joonatan Rautio, and Kaisa Mäensivu. The legendary pianist, Dave Kikoski, was able to join in on a few tunes while he was already in Finland for a trio tour with Joe and Kaisa. The album features five of Joe's original compositions, one original each by Kaisa and Joonatan, and the jazz standard "If I Were A Bell".
"I like that the lack of harmony naturally places more emphasis on the drums and its role," Joe says about the band's "chord-less quartet" line up. "And I like the combination and contrast of Max and Joonatan. They are both such great saxophonists but they have totally different sounds and styles. Together they have a sound that is focused and energetic, but at the same time soothing and hypnotic."
With his first album, it’s fascinating to hear what this drummer who can play it all decides to do when he finally has all the freedom to choose.
Joe Peri - drums
Max Zenger - Alto Saxophone and Bass Clarinet
Joonatan Rautio - Tenor Saxophone
Kaisa Mäensivu - Bass
Dave Kikoski - Piano (tracks 2 and 6)
1. Crosswind (Joe Peri)
2. Blues for Vecna (featuring Dave Kikoski) (Joe Peri)
3. If I Were a Bell (Frank Loesser)
4. Juno (Joe Peri)
5. Lemon & Tangerine (Joe Peri)
6. Palatine Hill (featuring Dave Kikoski) (Joe Peri)
7. Gravity (Kaisa Mäensivu)
8. Request for Wisdom (Joonatan Rautio)
