Laura Põldvere & Tõnu Naissoo Trio - Memories Of Tomorrow (2012)

The brilliance of a gemstone awakened in the Baltic Sea! A rising vocal star discovered by Tõnu Naissoo. The heartfelt voice of this Estonian songstress is now available to you... Her name is Laura Põldvere. She is a vocalist who is literally a diamond in the rough, discovered in her native Estonia by Tõnu Naissoo, an important Sawano artist. Her rich voice and rich mid-range style may be unique in today's female vocal world where only "cutesy girls" dominate, but her unrestrained scat singing is also worth listening to, and you can feel her extraordinary talent. The exoticism that the way the words sound is also a big attraction. And above all, it's great that Tõnu Naissoo himself leads the backing trio. The repertoire this time is full of Beatles, Hancock, and Bacharach, but the Joni Mitchell on track 4 is a nice choice that only Tõnu would have produced. And the title track is the best of all. Keith's incredibly beautiful solo performance recorded at the Cologne concert is revived with new life here. Tõnu's unchanging devotion to Keith is sure to make any enthusiast smile. The little bird in Tõnu's hands, who is now approaching the level of a master, is a Baltic diva. I want to keep watching over her for a long time. ~ by Hiiragi Kitami, jazz-sawano.com. 

Atelier Sawano, AS 123, 2012
Recorded November, 2011 at Eesti Rádio 2 Studio, Tallinn, Estonia 

Musicians:
Laura Põldvere - Vocals
Tõnu Naissoo - Piano
Taavo Remmel - Double Bass
Ahto Abner - Drums 

Tracks:
01. My Shining Hour {Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer} (2:59)
02. Memories Of Tomorrow {Stanley Cornfield, Keith Jarrett} (4:28)
03. What Game Shall We Play Today {Neville Potter, Chick Corea} (4:19)
04. A Case Of You {Joni Mitchell} (4:17)
05. Triste {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (5:02)
06. Maiden Voyage {Mark Murphy, Herbie Hancock} (7:12)
07. A Night In Tunisia {Jon Hendricks, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Paparelli} (5:37)
08. Falling Grace {Stanley Cornfield, Steve Swallow} (3:47)
09. Alfie {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (6:17)
10. The Fool On The Hill {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (6:12) 

Total Time: 50:14 

Credits:
Producer - Tõnu Naissoo
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Teet Kehlmann
Photography - Henri Siht, Tõnu Naissoo
Design - Loud Minority 

Falling Grace

Tõnu Naissoo Trio - Turning Point (1981) [vinyl]

Tõnu Naissoo (born 18 March 1951) is an Estonian composer and jazz pianist. He has played in several musical groups, including his own trio groupings, and has written music for films and theatrical stages. Turning Point is an album by The Tonu Naissoo Trio, the album was recorded by Enn Laidre in 1981 and released by the Melodyia label. Turning Point refers to a changed cast as well as new explorations in music. With one exception Lonely Woman by Ornette Coleman, the tunes on the album are Naissoo’s own compositions dating from 1977 through to 1980. They range from cherished ballads to post-bop delvings, and are characterized by powerful rhythmics and intertwined ensemble play. A fresh coloring is added by the Rhodes piano enriching and modernizing the sound, and by experiments with the musical lineup. The album is one of Tõnu Naissoo major earlier releases. To this this day he has continued to evolve and develop his impeccable sound, especially through his very talented writing ability. It is easy to see his prowess on display even on this early release. Ripped from an original Russian vinyl, and with much care the dynamics are outstanding, enjoy! 

Melodiya Records, С60 16147-8, 1981
Recorded 1981 at Tallinn Recording Studio, Estonia

Musicians:
Tõnu Naissoo - Piano, Electric Piano
Taivo Sillar - Double Bass
Peep Ojavere - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Turning Point {Tõnu Naissoo} (4:50)
A2. Yourself {Tõnu Naissoo} (4:37)
A3. Broken Hopes {Tõnu Naissoo} (6:05)
A4. Echo Of Reminiscences {Tõnu Naissoo} (5:08)
B1. Tomorrow {Tõnu Naissoo, Peep Ojavere} (3:29)
B2. Lonely Woman {Ornette Coleman} (9:41)
B3. Dewdrops {Tõnu Naissoo} (2:06)
B4. Blurred Brightness {Tõnu Naissoo} (4:34) 

Total Time: 40:30 

Credits:
Producer - Tõnu Naissoo
Engineer - Enn Laidre
Editing - Terje Luik
Design - I. Volkov
Photos - K. Suur
Sleeve Notes - Valter Ojakäär 

Turning Point