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jazz

Finland in the Global Jazz Economy
Features

Finland in the Global Jazz Economy

Finland in the Global Jazz Economy

This article was originally published in FMQ in 2005. “In an era of complex negotiations of personal and cultural identity, glocalised jazz styles in the broader forum of the global cultural economy are providing a means for musicians around the world to assert their cultural identity within the music”, writes Stuart Nicholson.

Stuart Nicholson

February 14, 2025

A grand orchestra with rich sounds and spoken word: Sointi Jazz Orchestra’s album release concert in pictures
Features

A grand orchestra with rich sounds and spoken word: Sointi Jazz Orchestra’s album release concert in pictures

A grand orchestra with rich sounds and spoken word: Sointi Jazz Orchestra’s album release concert in pictures

Sointi Jazz Orchestra was assembled for a composition concert in the autumn of 2013. This collection of photographs features visual highlights of the 18-member orchestra’s album release concert in October 2024 – eleven years after their debut.

Katariina Salmi

October 18, 2024

Finding your voice in a foreign country
Features

Finding your voice in a foreign country

Finding your voice in a foreign country

Among Finnish jazz musicians, those who have completed an entire degree abroad remain very much a minority. Yet seeking perspective away from home may help find a voice that can become internationally distinctive. This article features three pianist-composers for whom studying abroad proved to be a meaningful choice.

Santeri Kaipiainen

May 17, 2024

Verneri Pohjola's world-building is both mindful and intuitive
Reviews

Verneri Pohjola's world-building is both mindful and intuitive

Verneri Pohjola's world-building is both mindful and intuitive

"The dualism of serenity and restlessness on the one hand and the leaps of a monkey mind on the other can be found on the appropriately titled album Monkey Mind released by trumpet player Verneri Pohjola in November 2023," writes Santeri Kaipiainen.

Santeri Kaipiainen

April 5, 2024

Poetic, ambitious cross-genre vocal project
Reviews

Poetic, ambitious cross-genre vocal project

Poetic, ambitious cross-genre vocal project

Josefiina Vannesluoma, the fourth member of the vocal group Signe released an excellent solo album, giving flight to poems by Edith Wharton.

Wif Stenger

February 23, 2024

Touching the void with Selma Savolainen
Features

Touching the void with Selma Savolainen

Touching the void with Selma Savolainen

Amidst a global pandemic, jazz vocalist and composer Selma Savolainen (b. 1993) found herself gazing into the abyss. The full stop brought about by the surrounding conditions manifested itself as one-sided conversations with Savolainen’s father, who had passed away in 2009. The musical and artistic testimony of her personal road to restorative healing is documented in a beautiful way in the latest work of her new ensemble, the self-titled album Horror Vacui.

Eero Koski

January 26, 2024

Currents of different sounds: Virta at the We Jazz Festival
Features

Currents of different sounds: Virta at the We Jazz Festival

Currents of different sounds: Virta at the We Jazz Festival

In Virta’s music, one can discover a captivating vortex of traditional jazz, electronic soundscapes and skilful musical craftsmanship. This photo feature showcases their performance in Helsinki from December 2023.

Julius Töyrylä

January 12, 2024

Savonlinna’s underground resurfaces
Reviews

Savonlinna’s underground resurfaces

Savonlinna’s underground resurfaces

A lo-fi cult project blending sound collages, folk, ambient and indie rock re-emerges with sleeker production – and its melodic mystique intact.

Wif Stenger

November 24, 2023

Improvised life: Guitarist Héctor Lepe’s odyssey from Mexico to Sibelius Academy
Features

Improvised life: Guitarist Héctor Lepe’s odyssey from Mexico to Sibelius Academy

Improvised life: Guitarist Héctor Lepe’s odyssey from Mexico to Sibelius Academy

Guitarist Héctor Lepe has improvised his way from the jazz bars of Mexico City to a master’s degree from Sibelius Academy and a debut album on a Finnish label – just one of a growing number of musicians from around the world who are enlivening the once-insular Finnish jazz scene.

Wif Stenger

August 18, 2023

Lötjönen’s dazzling jazz circus
Reviews

Lötjönen’s dazzling jazz circus

Lötjönen’s dazzling jazz circus

The raucous, playful spirit of Charles Mingus hovers over the second album from jazz bassist Antti Lötjönen’s quintet.

Wif Stenger

February 23, 2023

Jazz and the City
Features

Jazz and the City

Jazz and the City

Since its launch a decade ago, We Jazz has broken the mould of a traditional festival by spreading into unexpected venues while expanding to become a record company, shop and magazine.

Santeri Kaipiainen

January 20, 2023

Living Tradition
Reviews

Living Tradition

Living Tradition

"Just as in a jam session the main action on this album happens on the up-tempo tunes. These cats sure like to burn!"

Eero Koski

June 10, 2022

This should be good: Jazz nominees for the Emma prize
Features

This should be good: Jazz nominees for the Emma prize

This should be good: Jazz nominees for the Emma prize

Jazz has a way of pushing the envelope among the categories at the Emma Gala. Some nominees uphold the Scandinavian Jazz brand, while others take a reforming approach.

Kare Eskola

May 6, 2022

Two and one does make sense
Reviews

Two and one does make sense

Two and one does make sense

"The vocabulary of ambient electronica woven into the lexicon of acoustic jazz."

Kevin Le Gendre

April 14, 2022

Young guns embrace the risk
Reviews

Young guns embrace the risk

Young guns embrace the risk

"Tomi Nikku manages to blend the sonorities of post-modern jazz with neo-romantic harmony and counterpoint. The result is a mixture that is able to stand sonically on its own."

Eero Koski

April 14, 2022

The new voice on the scene!
Reviews

The new voice on the scene!

The new voice on the scene!

"The sound of Riikka Keränen combines elements of post-bop jazz with tonalities and sensibilities of a more pop-oriented approach."

Eero Koski

April 14, 2022

Fresh new steps from Ed Partyka
Reviews

Fresh new steps from Ed Partyka

Fresh new steps from Ed Partyka

"UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra maintains its track record of working with the right people on the right music for the right time."

Kevin Le Gendre

April 14, 2022

The most Finnish music possible?
Reviews

The most Finnish music possible?

The most Finnish music possible?

"One instantly gets the concept when a tango album begins with the sound of an Indian tambura drone!"

Eero Koski

April 14, 2022

Stoking a quiet fire
Reviews

Stoking a quiet fire

Stoking a quiet fire

"The music can smoulder for lengthy passages but the flame eventually burns bright."

Kevin Le Gendre

April 14, 2022

Chamber music series fostering continuity
Features

Chamber music series fostering continuity

Chamber music series fostering continuity

Hietsu is Happening! runs on the logic of improvisation, while Helsinki Seriös has ambitions to become a new cornerstone of the chamber music scene. Both are examples of how non-institutional concert organisers can foster continuity. There is plenty of demand for small-format concerts out there, even if bringing marginal music offerings and audiences together is tedious and time-consuming.

Auli Särkiö-Pitkänen

March 4, 2022

Re-thinking touring - ecological sustainability requires concerted efforts
Features

Re-thinking touring - ecological sustainability requires concerted efforts

Re-thinking touring - ecological sustainability requires concerted efforts

Curbing the climate crisis will require urgent action everywhere, including the music business. But how difficult is it to translate words into deeds for someone whose entire career is based on touring, which carries a massive carbon footprint?

Santeri Kaipiainen

December 17, 2021

Tampere Jazz Happening: 40 years of pushing the boundaries, and self-obliteration
Columns

Tampere Jazz Happening: 40 years of pushing the boundaries, and self-obliteration

Tampere Jazz Happening: 40 years of pushing the boundaries, and self-obliteration

"What makes someone visit the same music festival for 40 years without a break? This is what has happened to me with Tampere Jazz Happening", writes music journalist Harri Tuominen.

Harri Tuominen

November 22, 2021

On my music and beyond: HOPE – A positive musical perspective on the world’s ecological crisis
Columns

On my music and beyond: HOPE – A positive musical perspective on the world’s ecological crisis

On my music and beyond: HOPE – A positive musical perspective on the world’s ecological crisis

"When I compose music and write lyrics, I start from the concept of wanting to communicate true facts and real things to my listeners, and find issues that are relevant and common for all of us as humans. I love to connect with my audiences, and I want to speak out about things that matter to me. When it comes to lyrics, I love to be poetic. When it comes to music, I love grooves, patterns, odd and polyrhythms," writes Elena Mîndru. This column is part of the series where composers and musicians write about their music.

Elena Mîndru

November 12, 2021

A saxophonist’s intimate solo debut
Reviews

A saxophonist’s intimate solo debut

A saxophonist’s intimate solo debut

"The album reveals new dimensions of Fredriksson’s personality and artistry. Beyond their prowess on saxophone, there is a wider palette of expression on guitar and keyboards as well as bass clarinet, with various horns multi-tracked for solo duets."

Wif Stenger

October 28, 2021

Not your ordinary organ trio
Reviews

Not your ordinary organ trio

Not your ordinary organ trio

"The eight compositions on this record, most by Innanen, exhibit a broad stylistic and musical spectrum."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

October 28, 2021

Jazz fatale, Lassy style
Reviews

Jazz fatale, Lassy style

Jazz fatale, Lassy style

"The seven tracks on the disc, all written by Lassy, seem to form a thematic whole and succeed in maintaining a coherent, magic mood."

Petri Silas

October 28, 2021

To boldly go where no man has gone before
Reviews

To boldly go where no man has gone before

To boldly go where no man has gone before

"Divided Horizon starts ever so gently yet progresses rapidly towards a more forceful and playful expression. High on logic but never too calculated, Rissanen eases himself into the role of a weathered storyteller as the album flows along."

Petri Silas

October 28, 2021

A fresh revisit to the roots
Reviews

A fresh revisit to the roots

A fresh revisit to the roots

"While the music sticks to the tradition, the sound of the recording is contemporary. The album is a timeless delight for admirers of all things bop."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

October 28, 2021

Playful and vivacious
Reviews

Playful and vivacious

Playful and vivacious

"The album is musically diverse. Clocking in at just over half an hour, it is short enough to make the listener wish for a couple of extra tracks, but as such it also leaves an appetite for the band’s next album."

Laura Korhonen

April 8, 2021

“And one man in his time plays many parts”
Reviews

“And one man in his time plays many parts”

“And one man in his time plays many parts”

"Pianist Cecil Taylor appeared on the Tampere Jazz Happening stage with his European Quintet [in 1998.] What ensued was a remarkable journey through sound and vision."

Petri Silas

April 8, 2021

Don’t let the name fool you
Reviews

Don’t let the name fool you

Don’t let the name fool you

"While this hard-swinging combo is stylistically firmly rooted in the past, the delivery is rather fresh."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

April 8, 2021

Leading from the bassline
Reviews

Leading from the bassline

Leading from the bassline

"Mäensivu also has three strong originals on the disc, saving the best for last: closing tune The Lemur is also the perfect showcase for her bass playing, scampering agilely as a lemur up a tree."

Wif Stenger

April 8, 2021

Multi-instrumentalists and eight drummers in acoustic landscapes
Reviews

Multi-instrumentalists and eight drummers in acoustic landscapes

Multi-instrumentalists and eight drummers in acoustic landscapes

"There seems to be no bounds to the sheer imagination poured into the sound worlds and effects inhabiting this album."

Laura Korhonen

April 8, 2021

Jazz tradition with modern spices
Reviews

Jazz tradition with modern spices

Jazz tradition with modern spices

"Riitta Paakki and her band never show off. They work together admirably well, delivering a delightful musical experience."

Marita Nyrhinen

April 8, 2021

Eminently competent Finnish jazz vocalist
Reviews

Eminently competent Finnish jazz vocalist

Eminently competent Finnish jazz vocalist

"Aili Ikonen is a breath of fresh air in the firmament of Finnish contemporary vocal artists and vocal jazz."

Marita Nyrhinen

April 8, 2021

A grower and a keeper
Reviews

A grower and a keeper

A grower and a keeper

"Perhaps that’s Kämäräinen’s superpower: He manages to sound like a bandmember even when occupying the sonic space all by himself. What an absolute gem of a disc Timo Kämäräinen has come up with."

Petri Silas

April 8, 2021

Organic meets synthetic
Reviews

Organic meets synthetic

Organic meets synthetic

"This interim release is clearly ready for post-pandemic parties – and who isn’t?"

Wif Stenger

April 8, 2021

Manipulating time
Reviews

Manipulating time

Manipulating time

"The delicate interplay flourishes on the tetchy and heavy groove of Zomp, the hypnotic pulse of Kobi and the polyrhythmic drive of Telemagenta. Live Recordings 2019–2020 is a slam dunk of restrained energy and vivid communication."

Petri Silas

April 8, 2021

Fun in a serious way
Reviews

Fun in a serious way

Fun in a serious way

"Tango-stomping, disco bass lines on tuba, Brazilian carnival rhythms, twisted country and ditto dixie, are some of the ingredients. But you will also find continental romantics and dystopian free-tonal characteristics in the melodies."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

April 8, 2021

The freelancer musicians' pandemic - Culture corona crisis continues
Features

The freelancer musicians' pandemic - Culture corona crisis continues

The freelancer musicians' pandemic - Culture corona crisis continues

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a boom time for freelancers, according to Forbes. But not for freelance musicians.

Andrew Mellor

February 12, 2021

Finnish jazz’s gender shift
Features

Finnish jazz’s gender shift

Finnish jazz’s gender shift

The pandemic year brought a record harvest of jazz by women. While Finland prides itself on equality, there’s still a long way to go on the jazz scene, though.

Wif Stenger

December 17, 2020

Slow touring à la Charles Gil
Features

Slow touring à la Charles Gil

Slow touring à la Charles Gil

”Could we talk in 10 minutes, I’m just returning some backline drums from our tour?” says Charles Gil, picking up the phone on a dimly-lit November afternoon. It’s business as usual for the French producer who has lived and worked in Finland since 1995, introducing Finnish audiences in places near and far to high quality improvised music from France, Finland and beyond time and again.

Matti Nives

November 12, 2020

Communing with ghosts on the island of souls
Reviews

Communing with ghosts on the island of souls

Communing with ghosts on the island of souls

"A poignant soundscape that works equally well as a standalone work and as a movie score."

Wif Stenger

November 5, 2020

Highlights from the lowlands
Reviews

Highlights from the lowlands

Highlights from the lowlands

"The trio swings seriously and authentically, but also gives a taste of the countryside Americana. Sandberg’s clean execution is sophisticated."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

November 5, 2020

Lighthouse beam on a stormy night
Reviews

Lighthouse beam on a stormy night

Lighthouse beam on a stormy night

"The overall sound is eerie, nocturnal and wintry – yet somehow comforting, as deep forests are for people of the North."

Wif Stenger

November 5, 2020

A thriving piano alliance
Reviews

A thriving piano alliance

A thriving piano alliance

"The collaboration flourishes beautifully, with the two pianos almost becoming one through spectacular voicings."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

November 5, 2020

Third Stream, the new Finnish rendition
Reviews

Third Stream, the new Finnish rendition

Third Stream, the new Finnish rendition

"Veering from the vast, brooding and sedate [- -] to the petite, playful and sanguine [- -], the group establishes a solid interface of unique inventions."

Petri Silas

November 5, 2020

Glorious fusion from a true pioneer
Reviews

Glorious fusion from a true pioneer

Glorious fusion from a true pioneer

"In this day and age, there is nothing thrilling or novel in calling someone a trailblazer. However, some of us were mapping new areas long before it became fashionable or something to aspire to. One such singular visionary is composer and improviser Sakari Kukko."

Petri Silas

November 5, 2020

Keeping it free through the generations
Reviews

Keeping it free through the generations

Keeping it free through the generations

"At times surprisingly groovy, at others surreptitiously enticing, Vodjanoi is free jazz for the future."

Petri Silas

November 5, 2020

All’s Well That Ends Well
Reviews

All’s Well That Ends Well

All’s Well That Ends Well

"Sid Hille and Abdissa Assefa managed to create and capture some truly momentous and mesmerizing moments. The end result is Here – Beyond the Infinite, a defiant ritual to ward off the wraiths of the pandemic."

Petri Silas

November 5, 2020

Prepared piano with an Arabic accent
Reviews

Prepared piano with an Arabic accent

Prepared piano with an Arabic accent

"Kari Ikonen alternately figure skates, tap dances and prances across the keys, sounding like a jaunty, syncopated one-man band."

Wif Stenger

November 5, 2020

On my music and beyond: The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny
Columns

On my music and beyond: The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny

On my music and beyond: The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny

“During the previous year of my studies in Utrecht I had added theory of music and composition to my curriculum. I knew I wanted to be a performer, but the traditional jazz piano wasn’t where my heart was. I had studied Clare Fischer’s harmonic concepts, which seemed to open windows towards the contemporary classical sounds I had heard in Donaueschingen,” writes composer and pianist Sid Hille. This column is part of the series where composers and other music makers write about their music.

Sid Hille

August 6, 2020

An inspiring vocal mishmash
Reviews

An inspiring vocal mishmash

An inspiring vocal mishmash

"Voice of Generations is a mishmash, but also an inspiring example of open-minded repertoire planning."

Anna Pulkkis

June 4, 2020

Free bass – Antti Lötjönen steps out of the shadows
Features

Free bass – Antti Lötjönen steps out of the shadows

Free bass – Antti Lötjönen steps out of the shadows

Bassist Antti Lötjönen is one of the busiest Finnish jazz players, having played on well over 100 records, and in dozens of groups. His solo debut was released in April, just a day before Lötjönen turned 40. This summer, touring will have to wait, but Lötjönen doesn’t mind the breather. In Wif Stenger’s interview, the bassist talks about his music and team playing.

Wif Stenger

May 20, 2020

27 or 37 Brothers
Reviews

27 or 37 Brothers

27 or 37 Brothers

"Berghäll’s six compositions have a multifaceted global flavor. Straight forward jazz rhythms and African beats meet Nordic and even oriental ideas."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

April 16, 2020

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose
Reviews

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

"The trumpeter and composer embraces new settings and situations as a hired gun yet also frequently seeks to shed his skin in the projects he leads or co-leads."

Petri Silas

April 16, 2020

A Sort of Homecoming
Reviews

A Sort of Homecoming

A Sort of Homecoming

"Sublime guitar lines that soar like birds of prey in the sky, daring harmonic innovations and immersive metric modulations to make your heart bleed with anguish, ecstasy and joy."

Petri Silas

April 16, 2020

From a whisper to a scream
Reviews

From a whisper to a scream

From a whisper to a scream

"Drummer Olavi Louhivuori’s new band Superposition is also capable of multiple simultaneous states, from sensitive balladry to free-jazz intensity."

Wif Stenger

April 16, 2020

It’s all Dark
Reviews

It’s all Dark

It’s all Dark

"Dalindèo plays instrumental, but still political jazz on this theme album."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

April 16, 2020

Comfort music for tough times
Reviews

Comfort music for tough times

Comfort music for tough times

"These are time-honoured melodies that have comforted many generations through wars, financial turmoil and epidemics before – and still have that power."

Wif Stenger

April 16, 2020

Conceptualist rather than composer
Reviews

Conceptualist rather than composer

Conceptualist rather than composer

"Constantly looking for the sweet spot where a rough sketch turns into something concrete, Mäkynen is all about moods and the subtle shifts in between them."

Petri Silas

April 16, 2020

Dark ambient meets Ornette Coleman
Reviews

Dark ambient meets Ornette Coleman

Dark ambient meets Ornette Coleman

"Here machines are sparring partners, in effect additional band members that react to the organic instruments and parry back with their own input, creating a real dialogue."

Wif Stenger

April 16, 2020

The art of working together: listening, improvising and trust
Features

The art of working together: listening, improvising and trust

The art of working together: listening, improvising and trust

Saxophonist Jukka Perko has taken his musical communication ideas into other fields of working life with successful lectures combining musical thinking and everyday workplace dynamics. Can listening to improvisation in music teach us something about working together and communicating?

Matti Nives

March 26, 2020

Midwinter Night’s Dream
Reviews

Midwinter Night’s Dream

Midwinter Night’s Dream

Signe and Emmi U Quintet bring a dreamy night of jazz and beyond to Tampere’s stellar new music venue.

Wif Stenger

February 27, 2020

On my music and beyond: Notes from a drummer’s underworld
Columns

On my music and beyond: Notes from a drummer’s underworld

On my music and beyond: Notes from a drummer’s underworld

"Music was omnipresent in my home, but when drummer friends older than myself introduced me to jazz, I was properly hooked. I decided that the best drummers play jazz, and thus began an exploration that remains as interesting today as it was when I was twelve."

Teppo Mäkynen

December 5, 2019

Iiro Rantala - A giant comes of age
Features

Iiro Rantala - A giant comes of age

Iiro Rantala - A giant comes of age

After recording for renowned jazz labels like Blue Note/EMI and Verve/Universal, Iiro Rantala now enjoys life in the indie field. Always eager to help young musicians get ahead, the piano superstar is giving back more than ever.

Petri Silas

November 13, 2019

Cool music from a hot town
Reviews

Cool music from a hot town

Cool music from a hot town

In a sun-drenched town only 200 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, jazz connoisseurs mixed with locals to enjoy their 31st festival of music, at the Jazz on the Beach in Raahe, Finland.

Anthony Shaw

August 5, 2019

Berlin vibes: Kalle Kalima’s world ranges from re-inventing rock to jazz and opera
Features

Berlin vibes: Kalle Kalima’s world ranges from re-inventing rock to jazz and opera

Berlin vibes: Kalle Kalima’s world ranges from re-inventing rock to jazz and opera

One thing can be said with certainty: Kalle Kalima, born in Helsinki and now based in Berlin, plays the electric guitar. But a quick glance at his discography can lead to confusion, because the sheer volume of Kalima’s output – as a leader or collaborator – is overwhelming. Andreas Müller met Kalima in his home town, Berlin, to find out more.

Andreas Müller

May 23, 2019

Musical cross-section of the Finnish landscape
Reviews

Musical cross-section of the Finnish landscape

Musical cross-section of the Finnish landscape

"The Hot Heros' most recent album, Folkjazz from Finland, paints an image of the Finnish (mental) landscape that is best appreciated through focused listening. This gives the feeling of being at a live gig, and there is an irresistible urge to applaud after each solo."

Laura Korhonen

March 7, 2019

Grandiose guitar, organic drums
Reviews

Grandiose guitar, organic drums

Grandiose guitar, organic drums

"Mainly using a guitar and an array of effects, Jarmo Saari masterfully creates atmospheres and meticulous architecture – with a taste for bombastic melodrama."

Wif Stenger

March 7, 2019

Satiny Sapphic harmonies with a jazz bass
Reviews

Satiny Sapphic harmonies with a jazz bass

Satiny Sapphic harmonies with a jazz bass

"Mostly a cappella, Signe's sound mingles folk, pop, barbershop and choral singing. The result is utterly original, uncategorisable art – unlike anything else you’ll hear this year."

Wif Stenger

March 7, 2019

The power of words – and music
Reviews

The power of words – and music

The power of words – and music

"While the melodies appear timeless and uncomplicated, the performances are pure Ilmiliekki – that is, contemporary jazz with a Nordic twist."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 7, 2019

A burst of outré energy
Reviews

A burst of outré energy

A burst of outré energy

"Rögnvaldsson’s team has grown into a thoroughbred band with a highly developed collaborative consciousness."

Petri Silas

March 7, 2019

Evolution and Interplay
Reviews

Evolution and Interplay

Evolution and Interplay

"The main attraction of this album is the capricious songs, reflecting ten years of evolution. Rather than focusing on solos, Herd distils the music into a collective endeavour."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 7, 2019

Young and fast
Reviews

Young and fast

Young and fast

"The band definitely has ideas of their own and the chops to execute them. The music has a spontaneous feel."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 7, 2019

Smells like Berlin
Reviews

Smells like Berlin

Smells like Berlin

"​A bubbling cauldron of avantgarde rock, psychedelic jazz, art pop and echoes of the 1980s 'no wave' weirdness, KUU! references a vast amount of influences yet still manages to project a firm and original identity."

Petri Silas

October 3, 2018

Jazz and Not
Reviews

Jazz and Not

Jazz and Not

"The album being so well-organized and aurally multi-faceted, it is at times hard to fathom that the music was improvised and recorded during a single session."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

October 3, 2018

Less is more, QED
Reviews

Less is more, QED

Less is more, QED

"Excellent job, one and all."

Petri Silas

October 3, 2018

When the interpretation exceeds the original
Reviews

When the interpretation exceeds the original

When the interpretation exceeds the original

"Nevertheless, the shining star of Around Again is undisputedly Iro Haarla. It is her inimitable, spectral touch that carries the music at least as far as it originally travelled in the hands of Carla Bley."

Petri Silas

October 3, 2018

Mo’ Better Lassy
Reviews

Mo’ Better Lassy

Mo’ Better Lassy

"Concerning the musical styles on this record, Lassy & co. most likely has faith in the old proverb saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

October 3, 2018

Hard bop, soft touch
Reviews

Hard bop, soft touch

Hard bop, soft touch

"The interplay between the hard-charging and the low-key provides a tantalising backdrop for Paakki’s masterful playing and compositions."

Wif Stenger

October 3, 2018

Jazz bass player Kaisa Mäensivu: Band leader and sidewoman
Features

Jazz bass player Kaisa Mäensivu: Band leader and sidewoman

Jazz bass player Kaisa Mäensivu: Band leader and sidewoman

Kaisa Mäensivu studied double bass at the Sibelius Academy and continued her jazz studies at the Manhattan School of Music. She is now creating a career in various ensembles in the USA and Finland. How did she end up becoming a jazz professional? And how would she compare her experiences of the jazz scene in Helsinki and New York?

Laura Korhonen

August 9, 2018

Aki Rissanen presents: The Idea of Another North
Features

Aki Rissanen presents: The Idea of Another North

Aki Rissanen presents: The Idea of Another North

Solo albums, piano trio work and extensive efforts as a sideman both locally and globally made Aki Rissanen one of the leading Finnish jazz pianists of his generation. Now his new album seems to be catapulting him to the top of the heap.

Petri Silas

April 12, 2018

The Darker Arts
Reviews

The Darker Arts

The Darker Arts

"Talented, bold and versatile, Anni Elif Egecioglu is a welcome role model to all yearning to test the strength of their ideas and resolve."

Petri Silas

March 29, 2018

Real and surreal standards
Reviews

Real and surreal standards

Real and surreal standards

"A key feature on this album is amalgamating both traditional approaches and contemporary touches. The outcome is occasionally even surreal. This makes for a brilliant album by two master musicians."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 29, 2018

A shining star on the rise
Reviews

A shining star on the rise

A shining star on the rise

"A secret destined to come out globally sooner than not, Pauli Lyytinen is THE current Finnish jazzer to follow if woodwinds are your penchant."

Petri Silas

March 29, 2018

Tales of a master guitarist
Reviews

Tales of a master guitarist

Tales of a master guitarist

"Teemu Viinikainen's light touch on the delay, sustain and looping pedals creates a spacious, floating sound that triggers all kinds of pleasure synapses."

Wif Stenger

March 29, 2018

Twenty years on
Reviews

Twenty years on

Twenty years on

"Rather than thinking through choruses, the Joona Toivanen Trio approaches their works through variations and development, with intense focus on dynamics, colors, and sound quality."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 29, 2018

Groovin’ through the decades
Reviews

Groovin’ through the decades

Groovin’ through the decades

Sonja Virtanen Quartet's debut album draws from hard bop and soul jazz from the 50s and 60s. The sound is warm and, in a good sense, somewhat rough around the edges. The music, however, is not as retro as the sound.

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 29, 2018

Lauri Porra forges his own path
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Lauri Porra forges his own path

Lauri Porra forges his own path

After three solo albums in the jazz-rock vein and a colourful career that has taken him from jazz to power metal and beyond, Lauri Porra is preparing to introduce the world to his new classical venture Entropia. He is the great-grandson of Jean Sibelius and he feels all borders between music genres are artificial or arbitrary.

Petri Silas

January 25, 2018

Timeless, tasty guitar jazz
Reviews

Timeless, tasty guitar jazz

Timeless, tasty guitar jazz

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.

Wif Stenger

December 15, 2017

Master refined
Reviews

Master refined

Master refined

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.

Jan-Erik Holmberg

December 15, 2017

Strong as ever
Reviews

Strong as ever

Strong as ever

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.

Petri Silas

December 15, 2017

From punk-jazz to poignant ballads
Reviews

From punk-jazz to poignant ballads

From punk-jazz to poignant ballads

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

Wif Stenger

December 15, 2017

Elifantree: New shoots and leaves
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Elifantree: New shoots and leaves

Elifantree: New shoots and leaves

Led by the startling voice of Anni Elif Egecioglu, Elifantree paints from an idiosyncratic palette, spattered with jazz and electronics. This Helsinki trio celebrates its 10th anniversary with new collaborations and a forthcoming album.

Wif Stenger

October 19, 2017

Innovative noise box
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Innovative noise box

Innovative noise box

Pull or push? Diatonal or microtonal? Traditional bear hunting celebration or reflections of the cosmos? Antti Paalanen and Veli Kujala prove that the accordion can do it all.

Amanda Kauranne

August 24, 2017

The complete set
Reviews

The complete set

The complete set

The music on Jukka Eskola Soul Trio's album is straightforward, stylish and groovy Soul Jazz, almost directly from the 60s. However, the discerning listener will find details with a more recent time stamp.

Jan-Erik Holmberg

June 8, 2017

Bop goes cool
Reviews

Bop goes cool

Bop goes cool

Jukka Perko Tritone moves the onetime fierce music of Dizzy Gillespie to somewhat gentler realms, still not losing the original ideas and logics of the songs.

Jan-Erik Holmberg

June 8, 2017

Strong solo piano
Reviews

Strong solo piano

Strong solo piano

It can take a while before you realise that Heikki Sarmanto actually is playing an old standard song. That’s why it is both an under- and overstatement to simply say that Sarmanto plays standards on his solo piano twofer CD.

Jan-Erik Holmberg

June 8, 2017

Tender, edgy free jazz
Reviews

Tender, edgy free jazz

Tender, edgy free jazz

Since 2005, Black Motor has been a proudly local Tampere institution, making its own idiosyncratic way apart from the orthodox Helsinki scene.

Wif Stenger

June 8, 2017