Iiro Rantala String Trio
Anyone With A Heart
ACT
This is musical magic encapsulated and way beyond classification. It has all the chutzpah, creativity, wit and cheerful essence with which one can transform a gray day into a colourful one. It is jazz, blues and central European folk music interwoven with sheer inspiration. A unique emotional experience that deserves to be heard by as many music lovers as possible. Reuben Klein
A second opinion
This album likely wouldn’t have even been on my radar as recently as a couple of years ago, let alone made it into my top three picks of the year. However classical-jazz crossover is a genre that is becoming increasingly present on my playlists, a sure sign that my musical horizons are finally broadening. Anyone With A Heart sees composer and pianist Iiro Rantala team up with violinist Adam Baldych and cellist Asja Valcic to create and present in classical piano trio form a delightful collection of gems, all of which are original excluding a homage to the much loved Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
Free from stylistic limitations, melodies are the emotive foundation of this album, they are what makes it play from the heart and into the soul. The synergy and interplay between the trio feels incredibly natural, and whilst free in spirit remains unpretentious without even the slightest hint of self-indulgence. I would challenge anyone with a heart not to experience a profound emotional response when listening to this masterful creation. It is the ‘must-own’ album of 2014, regardless of your musical background or preferences. Richard Barclay
Special mention
A commendation is required for two Brazilian musicians who at times threatened to hijack the very top spots. Benjamin Taubkin's Al Quantara & The Bridge and Clarice Assad's Imaginerium should be on the shortlists of all music lovers this Christmas. Their music is as innovative and musical as they are emotional and original.
FIP radio is a French state run radio station that can be heard online. It plays eclectic selections of a myriad musical styles that one can only but dream of hearing on this side of the channel over the airwaves. In my view it should be a part of mandatory music lessons in schools around the UK at least once a week. Reuben Klein
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