Patrick Zimmerli Announces May 16 Release Of His Stirring New Album ‘Songs Of Innocence,’ The First Release On Emergence Music Productions

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data-original-title=”” title=””>Satoshi Takeishi. A sophisticated yet approachable collection, Songs of Innocence explores the terrain between the rhythmic vitality and spontaneity of jazz, the melodic freedom of pop music, and the craft of classical music composition.

The album presents five of Zimmerli’s compositions influenced by William Blake, the famous English romantic poet whose “Songs of Innocence” are poems verging on nursery rhymes. Similar to Zimmerli’s songs, Blake’s poems can also have a darker side, exploring the process of corruption and loss of innocence as childhood turns into adulthood.

“What I like in the William Blake ‘Songs of Innocence’ is a kind of willful naiveté, yet coming from a seasoned and rich intellect. The idea of simplicity really appeals to me, and as someone who gravitates naturally towards complexity, it’s a challenge to write music that is simple, sunny, and appealing.” —Patrick Zimmerli

A celebration of joy and optimism, Songs of Innocence features two musicians who Zimmerli has collaborated with for more than 30 years. “These guys are like brothers to me,” says Zimmerli. “Kevin has one of the most beautiful lush piano tones I have ever heard, in addition to his obvious technical brilliance and deep rhythmic feel. Similarly, Satoshi is a true poet of the percussion, listening so deeply in order to make the perfect contribution to every situation, always supportive and in impeccable taste.”

Originally from New York, Zimmerli lives and works between his hometown and Paris. He has collaborated with many international musicians, including