The Pull by Karl Jannuska

The Pull is Canadian-born, Paris-based drummer, composer and producer, Karl Jannuska's eighth album, entirely comprised of original music. The title of the album was inspired by a quote from American philosopher Eric Hoffer: "It is the pull of opposite poles that stretches souls. And only stretched souls make music." The Pull is a tribute to the creative force that drives artists to face challenges, embrace contradictions, and transform their life experiences into sound.

This album is Karl’s third with French vocalist Cynthia Abraham. Alongside her are keyboardist Tony Paeleman, who also mixed and mastered the album, guitarist Pierre Perchaud, present on all but one of Karl’s albums, and bassist Pierre Elgrishi, recording Karl’s music for the first time, though the pair played regularly together, creating the rhythmic backbone for the project Night Trippin’ with Matthis Pascaud and Hugh Coltman. The album also includes French horn on two tracks, adding an element of orchestral warmth to the sonic landscape.

Primarily known as an acoustic jazz drummer, The Pull is a departure from Karl’s previous work in that he meticulously programmed all of the drum parts - for the most part using 1990s hip hop drum samples. Each drum track was crafted to feel as if it were performed live. Karl's unique drum patterns—at times layering several rhythms—have become a distinctive aspect of his music and create a solid foundation for his ethereal melodies which have been described as “simultaneously familiar and foreign”. More of a collage than the fruits of a live band in a studio, the cover art is representative of the process and was created by Uruguayan artist, Margarita Brum.

While drumming on pots and pans as a four-year-old in Northern Manitoba, Karl excitedly exclaimed “everything has its own sound” and that playful joy he felt is still intact in The Pull, where acoustic and electronic sounds weave together in harmonious wonderment.

Canadian drummer, composer and producer based in Paris, France.

karljannuska.com
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