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"The standard of Baroque music performances in Finland continues to rise, and great ambition goes into both planning and performance."

The Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO) emerged as a pioneer in its field in Finland. Now, this nimble ensemble is adopting a new, democratic leadership model. With two artistic planners and an executive director, the orchestra aims to become a tighter-knit team competent not only in performance but also in audience outreach.

Youthful energy and a pristine ‘60s jazz sound drive this second outing, with drummer Mooses Kuloniemi and guitarist Milo Mäkelä joined by stand-up bassist Jon Petterson since last year’s debut.

Displaying Mäkynen’s love for trad jazz and his roots in hip hop and sampling, Form is a calm and collected trip through uncharted territories.

Saxophonist and composer Eero Koivistoinen has honed his skills since the 60s, and it shouldn’t come as any surprise that his playing is superb. Still one cannot help thinking that he has reached a kind of a new plateau as a player.

As witnessed both on Verneri Pohjola’s Bullhorn and Aki Rissanen Trio’s Amorandom, the musicians breathe together in a magic way. And with Another North, they push the envelope of band ESP even further.

Mopocalypse marks the full emergence of a mighty saxophonist-composer matched by a strong, inventive rhythm section.

The year 2017 not only marks the centenary of Finland’s independence but is also an anniversary year for Finnish music education.

"Olli Ahvenlahti’s compositions are mostly mellow and somewhat romantic, as is his playing. The touch has a pleasant singing quality."