Biography

Olli Ahvenlahti's album Mirror Mirror stylistically continues the line that began with his 1970s classic albums The Poet and Bandstand. The album also serves as a celebration of the long career and life's work of the Finnish jazz legend, who turns 75 in 2024.

Mirror Mirror marks Olli Ahvenlahti's return to the realm of electrified jazz-funk, following his previous acoustic ensemble album Thinking, Whistling (We Jazz Records, 2017). The connection to the classic 1976 album The Poet is evident, as Ahvenlahti's band performed under the name The Poet II on preceding gigs to the album release. However, the album was not conceived strictly as a sequel, allowing for musical exploration in new directions. Joining Ahvenlahti's ensemble on the album and live performances are trumpeter Jukka Eskola, saxophonist Joonatan Rautio, bassist Ville Herrala, and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen – each contributing to realize the composer's vision. Ahvenlahti himself handles the keyboards, listed on the album as "Fender Rhodes Seventy Three Electric Piano and Oberheim Synthesizer." The album cover features the artwork I looked at her and she looked back IV (2019) by visual artist Eeva-Riitta Eerola.

Mirror Mirror comprises eight compositions by Ahvenlahti, ranging from the potent jazz-funk of the first single Paint It Blue to the serene rhythm ballad of the closing track Bedtime Snack. The maestro allows ample space for his excellent ensemble, resulting in a sonically pleasing yet dynamically surprising overall sound. The leisurely pace and honesty in Ahvenlahti's compositions reflect the experience of his long career.

"I wanted to make one more powerful album," Ahvenlahti states. "The goal is always the same, but with age, the statement carries a more tangible echo. Both in composing and playing, there's a sense of 'now or never' that comes with the passing years."

Tracklist

1. Mirror Mirror
2. Paint It Blue
3. For Dizzy and Lionel
4. A House In Montagnola
5. The Opening Game
6. Rhythm and Rhymes 
7. The Redwood Story
8. Bedtime Snack