Eve Risser and Kaja Draksler form the new duo To Pianos, in which they improvise in innovative ways, on the keys as well as directly on the strings of the piano. French pianist Eve Risser is known for her prepared piano techniques, with which the sound of the piano strings is influenced by objects such as screws and magnets. With these techniques she creates compelling, imaginative music, as heard on her solo album Des pas sur la neige (Clean Feed).

Improvisation and prepared piano are key ingredients as well in the music of Kaja Draksler, who recently emerged from the Amsterdam improv scene. Here she leads her own octet, among other projects. Kaja Draksler garnered international acclaim with her solo album The Lives of Many Others. From a review in Downbeat: ‘The young Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler shows off a wealth of sturdy ideas on this stunning solo recording.’

Preceding the by To Pianos is a solo improvisation by Rumanian violist George Dumitriu. As a classical violinist he won over 15 international awards, after which he broadened his horizon towards jazz guitar, electronics and free improvisation. Viola became his main focus in the past two years. He lives in Amsterdam where he leads DUMItRIO, which has recently released the album Proverbe on the TryTone label.

Kaja Draksler, Eve Risser piano
Prior to the duo: GEORGE DUMITRIU SOLO
George Dumitriu viola