Orchestra Nazionale della Luna

Orchestra Nazionale della Luna, founded by pianist Kari Ikonen (b. 1973) and saxophonist Manuel Hermia (b. 1967), has a peculiar name and not just because it claims to be “the orchestra of the Moon”.  

You see, the four-member ensemble is not an actual orchestra, and the three nationalities of its members – Belgium, France and Finland – hardly qualify as being nazionale, national. 

Yet there are understandable reasons for the teasing name, as the quartet’s music is also difficult to pin down – mainly because of its wide-ranging cultural references. Compared to many other standard jazz quartets, Orchestra Nazionale della Luna revolves around its own musical orbit.

On first listen, part of this peculiarity is based on the quartet’s uncommon sound, as Ikonen’s main instrument alongside piano is the Moog synthesizer. Not only that, Ikonen combines it with his patented Maqiano invention, a micro-tuning system that allows acoustic pianos to play Arabic maqam scales and micro-intervals. Safe to say that the sound is first of its kind in jazz and perhaps in any music.

The soon 10-year-old Orchestra Nazionale della Luna also stands out from the contemporary crowd with its desire to take a stand and playful humour – if you take time to read between the lines. Examples of the former include Hermia’s compositions Doubt Factory and Overexploited, which are from their third album Selene’s View released last spring. Kompelo and E-peli are in turn plays on Finnish words and highlight the humorous side of Ikonen. But the core idea of the orchestra might be best reflected in Transience: the only thing permanent is change.