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).
1. Solarium 04:45
2. Little Jim 07:59
3. Suns 07:39
4. West Edmonton Mall 05:36
5. Trail 05:24
6. Lana Turner Has Collapsed 01:50
7. Catenaires (Elliott Carter) 03:33
Chris Pruden, piano
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
