“Throughout the years, my music has been influenced by jazz, funk, pop, blues, hip hop, and electronic beats. With ‘Lighter Notes’, I wanted to create an album that showcases these influences but is not the ‘common’ jazz-sounding album one might expect,” said Sestak. “It’s more of a collision between genres and sound worlds.”

Showcasing his exceptional pianistic skills as well as his creative ability to intermingle various musical genres effortlessly, the record features six original compositions alongside an arrangement of the well-known traditional song “House of the Rising Sun” and reinterpretations of classical pieces by Chopin, Gulda and C.P.E Bach in a jazzy, up-tempo context. 

As the title suggests, ‘Lighter Notes’ was driven by a conscious effort to employ a more delicate and dynamic approach to his playing to give each note moremeaning. Influenced by the soundworlds of Olafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm, Sestak prepared his piano with materials including strips of felt and duct tape, offering a warm, intimate aesthetic with which to contrast the explosive passages of dextrous energythe pianist has come to be known for.

The entire album was recorded live, with no click or backing tracks, championing the authentic live sound of Sestak’s piano trio as they navigate his intricate arrangements and impressively wide array of influences.

Accompanying Sestak are Alexander Broschek on bass and Nicholas Stampf on drums, both of whom are fellow students from the reputable Pop Academy in Mannheim, Germany and established musicians in their own right, performing regularly with the likes of Alice Merton, Nick Hakim and Conic Rose. 

Sestak’s new record is not just about music; it’s a testament to the pianist’s journey back to his earliest inspirations and his playful, lighter approach to life. This album is a reminder to not take oneself too seriously, to appreciate the lighter notes in music and in life.

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