The Berlin pianist and composer Jan Gerdes, a renowned interpreter of classical-romantic as well as contemporary piano music, has garnered significant attention for his performances of works by many outstanding composers of our time. In addition to his project "rand" for piano and electronics, whose album "Periphérie" released in September 2022 received excellent reviews, he has also created a series of piano compositions and songs over the past few years, along with a full-length solo piano project called "Songs and Improvisations." 
 

Jan Gerdes' music reflects his classical roots and influences from contemporary music and jazz, yet his pieces are surprisingly new and not easily categorized stylistically. "Songs and Improvisations" oscillates between the musical worlds of classical, jazz and  contemporary music, starting from fully composed or sketched thematic cells and ranging from sensually intimate to rhythmically pulsating, all while maintaining improvisational freedom. 
 

The fact that his music maintains improvisational freedom adds an exciting dimension to the listening experience, allowing for spontaneity and creativity within a structured framework. It's evident that Jan Gerdes' work is a fusion of various musical influences, making it appealing to a wide range of music enthusiasts. 
 

The release of "Songs and Improvisations" in December 2023 on XJAZZ! Music is a significant milestone, and it will likely be eagerly anticipated by fans of piano music and those interested in innovative and genre-blurring compositions. It's always exciting to see artists pushing the boundaries of musical expression and exploring new directions within their craft. Jan Gerdes seems to be doing just that with his upcoming album.