Suns is a set of solo piano improvisations and compositions performed by Toronto pianist Chris Pruden.
While already recognized as a notable Canadian pianist/keyboardist in several projects (Tara Kannangara, Sammy Jackson, Zinnia, Future Machines, Language Arts), this is the first release under his own name.
Suns, released on Elastic Recordings, is refreshingly informal, recorded amongst friends, documenting unfinished thoughts and new reflections in the moments they arrive and depart. Pruden exhibits technical and musical control that is always on the edge, tumbling through insecurities and surrendering to the sound of the moment. It is both meditative and frenetic, playful and serious, vulnerable and resilient. The seven pieces take influences from the music of György Ligeti, Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Unsuk Chin, Ann Southam, and Elliott Carter (whose piano piece Catenaires is featured as a final track).
Released March 5, 2022
Recorded by James Hill at Beaches Presbyterian Church in Toronto, July 28th 2021
Mixed and Mastered by Jon Bartel
Album artwork, and individual illustrations by Daccia Bloomfield
Album Design by Matthew Fong
Videography by Brittany Farhat and Matthew Fong
Special thanks to Tara Kannangara, Julian Anderson Bowes, Beaches Presbyterian Church, Jim and Cathy Pruden, and Mali and Tissa Kannangara.
Album release, March 5, 2022 at, The Canadian Music Centre, in Toronto.
Stream the concert at 8pm, March 5, 2022 here
The concert featured an opening set by Yunjin Claire Lee.
