Vibraphonist Panu Savolainen is known as a versatile and expressive musician, composer, and bandleader in the realms of jazz, classical, and other acoustic music genres. He rose to prominence in the Finnish music scene with his trio Herd, founded in 2009, and particularly through collaborations with Herd and vocalist Aili Ikonen in the Jazzbasilli project. In addition to releasing three albums with Herd, Savolainen has led projects such as the Toivo ensemble, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Toivo Kärki, and the Panu Savolainen Soiva Trio, established in 2017.

Apart from his own ensembles, Panu Savolainen has performed with groups like the JPP folk music ensemble, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and as a soloist with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra. He has been actively composing music for his own bands, including songs featuring Riina Katajavuori's poetry, and chamber music. Hosting his own Herd and Panurama clubs at the National Theatre's Lavaklubi from 2013 to 2018, Savolainen was named the Artist of the Year by Pori Jazz in 2010.