Ascension
Tapani Rinne, RA-UL
Ascension is the second collaboration between Tapani Rinne and RA-UL (Lauri Heiskanen). Following Submersion, the work continues their nature-inspired ambient jazz expression while opening a broader and subtly more cinematic sonic landscape.
The piece draws its inspiration from swans returning north after winter, crossing the sky in formation above a solitary traveller who pauses to listen to their distant song. Like early spring, Ascension unfolds quietly and with restraint: a far-off call, the slow arc of wings, and finally a passing moment that leaves space and breathing stillness behind.
At its core lies the quiet turning of the seasons. The field recordings woven into the background were captured in late May on the shores of Kilpisjärvi, near the slopes of Saana Fell, at a time when the North begins to open toward spring and the coming summer. There is still coolness in the air, yet the light lingers longer and nature awakens. This sense of transition, return and renewal flows gently through the composition.
Tapani Rinne’s soprano saxophone shapes the tonal landscape with subtle gestures that echo distant birdsong before unfolding into a clear and resonant melodic line. The bass clarinet adds depth and movement, like wind moving across open terrain. RA-UL’s synthesizer layers form soft, cloud-like textures that carry the harmonic space, while wind and rustling branches recorded on site anchor the music in a tangible northern environment.
Blending ambient sensitivity, organic jazz expression and a refined cinematic nuance, Ascension becomes an exploration of light, movement and space. Rather than depicting nature from afar, the piece invites the listener to step into it.
– Lauri Heiskanen, Linnunrata Productions
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Curated for Zen Retreat – Early 2026 Collection
Zen Retreat – Playlist
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