Biography

Bassist and composer Nathan Francis made his debut as band leader with his new quartet line-up. The band compiled by Francis includes power figures of Finnish jazz, the legendary tenor saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen, pianist Markus Niittynen and drummer Aleksi Heinola. The album was released in March 2021 on vinyl, CD and digitally.

Bassist and composer Nathan Francis, who moved from the United States to Helsinki, will release his debut album on March 26 and join forces with Finnish jazz legend, tenor saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen, pianist Markus Niittynen and drummer Aleksi Heinola. Nathan Francis Quartet feat. Eero Koivistoinen offers up three intensely swinging and melodic original compositions, as well as three versions of standards Francis has picked for the line-up.

In their first release, the band performed their own compositions as well as selected classics from John Hicks, John Coltrane and Cecil McBee. Koivistoinen, one of the giants of Finnish jazz, has composed two of the songs on the album, the airy opening track Minor Solution and Late Show. Pianist Niittynen's handwriting is the third track on the album, the smooth-running Crystal Clear, which features Nathan Francis' captivating bass solo, the the only one of its kind on the album.

In 2018, Nathan Francis moved from San Francisco to study at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Since then, the visionary young bassist has played with e.g. Alder Ego, Aleksi Heinola Quintet, Perussastamala and Max Zenger Globus. Francis also performed last summer at the wedding celebration of Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin with Emilia Nojonen’s quartet.

Berlin- and Malmö-based label Ajabu! Records releases Nathan Francis Quartet feat. Eero Koivistoinen album on Friday, March 26, 2021 as LP, CD and digitally.

Tracklist

1. Minor SolutionEero Koivistoinen
2. After the MorningJohn Hicks
3. Crystal Clear Markus Niittynen
4. Song of HerCecil McBee
5. Late ShowEero Koivistoinen
6. ViliaJohn Coltrane & Franz Lehar