Skip to content
Simon Zion & Ville Luukkonen Band

The Ballad Sessions

Album
profile-picture

Album information

PerformerSimon Zion & Ville Luukkonen Band
Released5.4.2024
TypeCD, digi
Players
LabelEclipse Music
Listen

Biography

Simon Zion's rough and rich voice intertwines with Ville Luukkonen's led trio, offering the audience intimate interpretations of jazz classics such as Round Midnight, Body & Soul and My Foolish Heart.

The ensemble's interpretations of the songs honor the original standards while bringing lively energy and the gritty sound of a charismatic vocalist to the performances. The musicians' own skill and versatility bring shades and virtuosity, adding an exciting dimension to familiar songs. The result is a beautifully executed album that combines nostalgic coziness with fresh and dynamic expression.

Simon Zion, guitarist, singer, and songwriter, rose to fame for his enchanting vocal performances on Sweden's Idols competition in 2015. Since then, he has diligently honed his craft, offering audiences diverse music and participating in international collaborative projects.

Ville Luukkonen, a Helsinki-based drummer, holds several jazz degrees and demonstrates his versatile skills in various musical environments, from large orchestras to smaller ensembles. In the Ville Luukkonen Trio he is joined by Tuomo Uusitalo (piano) and Juuso Rinta (double bass).

Simon Zion's velvety and warm tone brings out the enchantment and beauty of the songs. This album is an opportunity for Simon Zion to expand his repertoire, beautifully showcasing his roots as a jazz vocalist alongside some of the finest Finnish jazz musicians of his generation.

Tracklist

  1. Body & Soul
  2. Round Midnight 
  3. Drinking Again
  4. You Don't Know What Love Is
  5. How Long Has This Been Going On
  6. Lover Girl
  7. My Foolish Heart
  8. Lush Life
  9. Angel Eyes
  10. I Get A Kick Out Of You
  11. Still Crazy After All These Years