28 Jul 2015

Starfish by Aron Ottignon

From The Sampler, 7:35 pm on 28 July 2015

Jim Pinckney presides over the latest EP from Auckland piano prodigy Aron Ottignon.

Aron Ottignon Starfish EPWith a distinctive signature that combines the percussive and melodic, ex-pat, jazz piano prodigy Aron Ottignon has entered another phase in his career with his latest release. The Starfish EP is a dizzying collection of rhythms, melodies and flavours that he has picked up on his journey from New Zealand through Australia, London, France and around the world as a touring musician. Though he is the sort of artist who, whether by accident or design, often manages to fly under the radar, he has been quietly making big waves of late. It was his piano and arrangements on  Papaoutai by Lorde endorsed Belgian-Rwandan singer-rapper Stromae,  that helped make the track one of the biggest hits across mainland Europe in 2013. Launching an exciting, and untypical, new trio with co-producer Rodi Kirk (Scratch 22) and percussionist Sam Dubois the Starfish EP with it’s playful percussion, insidious melodies,  and meticulously crafted, modern production shapes makes for a very alluring entrée.

Songs played: Waterfalls In Tanzania, Starfish, Rivers, Kingfish  (Rodi Kirk Remix), Rivers (Labelle Remix), Waterfalls

Listen to more from The Sampler