Thou Shalt Worship The Rich And Famous! is the tantalizing and topical title of the first album of Finnish pianist Aki Rissanen and Dutch clarinetist Steven Kamperman. A startling record on which the duo cheerfully and cynically give a contemporary twist to the Ten Commandments. Rissanen and Kamperman do this with unexpected intermezzos that make the music no less cynical, but instead more melancholy and lively. Here are two adventurous musicians at work, who together create a balance between jazz, other European musical traditions, improvisation and humor. The result is a fascinating mix that ranges from rarefied, northern sounds to ingenious grooves and heartfelt ballads, and from playful romps to ringing gaming music and gritty blues. Music that makes you happy, because every time, Aki Rissanen & Steven Kamperman amaze with small details, sudden shifts and sparkling interplay.
