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"Four Stars. Rantala's solo work fizzes with glittering contrapuntal playing, jaw-dropping juxtapositions of fast basslines and right hand cascades and all kinds of other pianistic fireworks. His touch is flawless ..." - The Guardian "Five Stars ... another distinctive and glorious recording ... it's difficult to praise too highly ... (Rantala) is a hugely talented artist, with a powerfully emotional approach to his playing and a good-natured sensibility ... (his) heroes may be lost, but they still resonate in the hearts and minds of many people ... a superb tribute; a giant of an album." - All About Jazz On his debut solo recording, Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala pays tribute to his musical role models and kindred spirits. Jean Sibelius, Finland’s national classical hero, is of course amongst those represented on this unique programme. The piece Jean and Aino shows the unconventional, surprising and captivating way in which Rantala becomes closer to his personal heroes. Instead of focusing on Sibelius the composer or musician, he concentrates on him as a husband and dedicates a touching ballad to the “true love story” between Jean and his wife. Among Rantala's other heroes honoured here are Jaco Pastorius, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson and Luciano Pavarotti.