"The Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu establishes himself as part of an elite group of specifically European jazz musicians. Randalu is at once a tightrope walker and a precision mechanic, an equilibrist and a thimblerigger, but also a committed swinger who can bite into ostinato figures. His ability to play dissonances against the established harmony is wonderfully bold. He cuts through strings of harmonic beads, and makes his notes suddenly cavort with a new set of rules."

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

"Randalu brings a bright Chick Corea touch"

John Fordham, The Guardian

"If it is the ultimate compliment to suggest an improvising pianist is playing in a Keith Jarrett manner, then Kristjan Randalu can begin celebrating."

Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune

Reviews of "Grupa Janke Randalu - live" (2008 Jazz'n'Arts)

"This duo is at once timeless and casually spectacular, demanding and entertaining on the highest level. This performance will make you want to experience these two energetics live on stage."

Ralf Dombrowski, Jazzthing

"The visceral excitement and engrossing interplay captured on this duet CD argue for a place in the top rank of jazz innovators. The brilliant, acrobatic “Confidance” blasts off as Randalu’s piano, somewhere between Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner, meshes seamlessly with Janke’s constantly shifting blend of drums and mouth/body percussion. Standards are playfully warped and refracted, while folksongs are carried off to some un-nameable, exotic land. It’s a thrilling ride."

Forrest Dylan Bryant, JazzTimes

"The interplay between the two young musicians is absolutely instinctive... The duo moves through tempo and groove changes somnambulistically. As colourful the piano playing already is – it becomes even more exciting with Janke's symphony of drums, mouth pecussion, vocals and flutes."

Angela Ballhorn, Jazzthetik

"Each musician separately is highly energetic, inventive and full of good spirits. Together, they threaten to pull you out of your seat, put a smile on your face and get you moving. Randalu and Janke are a unique and highly talented duo, playing extroverted and entertaining music. "Live" demonstrates the appropriateness of giving them the consecutive jazz awards, as their music communicates the joy of giving and receiving."

Budd Kopman, AllAboutJazz.com

"That the music flows so freely between European folk and classical music and jazz, African and world music sounds is a testament both to the sensitive and highly conscious nature of the players, as well as the universality of music."

Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net

"Really exhilarating stuff. It makes me want to take up the piano... and buy a studio full of percussion instruments."

Mark Saleski, BlogCritics

"With this performance, Randalu and Janke pushed the sensual options of their ensemble to its limits. They created music with a unique blend of paramount control and unconditional riskiness. To put it briefly: this live recording is a beat of the drum and a sensate-musical happening – and, despite this early date, already a strong candidate for CD of the year."

Thomas Fitterling, Rondo Magazin

"The interplay of piano and percussion by Kristjan Randalu and Bodek Janke was recorded live last May in Germany and shows virtuosity, dimension, range and two artists who listen to one another intuitively. The improvised music develops organically and takes the listener on a journey that is sometimes dramatic, sometimes whimsical and generally enthralling."

William R. Wood, Kalamazoo Gazette

"Live" is a recording that calls to mind Jarrett's solo performances, with one big difference: percussionist Bodek Janke. In these sessions recorded in Germany, the pair perform greatly inventive material that includes originals, standards and a version of the largo from Antonin Dvorak's "New World" symphony… Randalu’s 12-minute look at "Igauhel oma pill," which has a folk-sounding melody, is something from a new-music concert. He lays back into a nice groove on "All the Things You Are" and "If I Were a Bell," but perhaps the best moments come on the Dvorak piece. With scraped strings and one much-too-loud outburst, he tries to capture the power of the orchestra in that dramatic work. His play of the melody is reflective and beautiful, as "Goin' Home" should be. Percussionist Janke does a great job throughout, too. He makes the most out of his work on the drum kit and provides tasteful work on many other instruments."

Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune

"...ensemble playing that subsists on sparkling textures and driving rhythms... Pulsating."

Christoph Irrgeher, Wiener Zeitung

"The duo plays with energy and precision, filling the concert hall with sound."

Marke Andrews, Vancouver Sun