Biography

The Watercolors is a unique jazz-combo based in Helsinki, Finland. The ensemble sketches "jazz-aquarelles" by mixing colors from European classical tradition with contemporary jazz.

The original sound of the group is shaped by combining one of the rarer instruments in jazz, Janne Saarinen on oboe and cor anglais, together with Ilkka Uksila on vibraphone, Joonas Tuuri on double bass and Joonas Leppänen on drums. The oboe's melancholic sound perfectly embodies the nordic mindscape and its pristine nature, which is endless source of inspiration for Saarinen's compositions. Saarinen took up the challenge to explore the difficult woodwind, aiming to translate jazz-language to the instrument.

The other band members are successful bandleaders, composers and frequently requested freelance musicians in the Helsinki jazz scene. Ilkka Uksila and Joonas Leppänen graduated from the Jazz Institute Berlin and Joonas Tuuri holds a master's degree in jazz music from Sibelius Academy.

The album was recorded in Kiikala Church, southern Finland. The natural echo of the wooden church is almost like a fifth member of the group that invites improvisers to play only what they really mean.

Tracklist

1. Intro
2. Elysian Plain
3. Hybris & Nemesis
4. Meri
5. Sad Eyes
6. Game Changer
7. Little Starling
8. Sataa
9. Karuselli