Jazz Finland Live

Jukka Perko - sax

Teemu Viinikainen - guitar & many pedals:

Jarmo Saari - guitar and more pedals

Open event

Lyrically captivating, melodic and unique. These terms, among others, have been applied to trumpeter Verneri Pohjola’s music. The sound of “the Miles Davis of the North” has something extraordinarily human to it, evading the pitfall of technical bravado which some of his colleagues sometimes are swallowed by. The son of the legendary composer of jazz fusion, Pekka Pohjola, Verneri Pohjola has boldly treaded his own path, which has gained him a place among the most acclaimed European jazz musicians.

The audience of the National Theatre will be the first in Finland to experience Pohjola’s latest recording, Bullhorn, live. Both on the recording and at the concert, the trumpeter is backed by his trusted quartet, consisting of pianist Aki Rissanen, bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Teppo Mäkynen.

“Intimate improvisation that I hold dear, raw energy and thorough writing – it has all the elements that I want my music to have,” Pohjola describes his new album.

Bullhorn is to be released by the renowned English label Edition Records, having released two recordings on the German label ACT. Pohjola and his quartet have also performed on the English soil recently – and not on any occasion – but at the London Jazz Festival and Forge Arts Centre.

Initially, Pohjola made his breakthrough ten years ago when the group Ilmiliekki Quartet released their debut, the Emma-nominated and Teosto-awarded March of the Alpha Males. This led to the group being chosen as the Finland Festivals Artist of the Year. Pohjola himself was selected as the Pori Jazz Artist of the Year and as the Trumpeter of the Year by the jazz magazine Jazzrytmit. The rest is Finnish jazz history!

'Affecting and atmospheric…memorable original themes’ – The Guardian, UK *****
’Verneri Pohjola has got what it takes to become an international jazz star’ – All About Jazz

Tickets: 25/15 €.

Open event

The Impérial Quartet celebrates with almost the whole range of the saxophone family and a groovy rhythm section.

The members of the quartet have been accomplices for many years. Damien Sabatier and Gérald Chevillon have even been soul brothers since their teenage years. Together they share the family of saxophones from sopranino to bass, developing an original and unexpected sound palate. This uncommon variety of pitches supported by a generous and solid rhythmic pair allows the exploration of new musical territory through the compositions of all the four members of the band. The quartet’s search for organic material, is also inspired by traditional music, trance music and that somewhat “dirty” rock energy. It serves as a rhythmic pool to their spacious melodies, fiery improvisations and other theatrics.

Both saxophonists and Antonin Leymarie have played in Tous Dehors, the large band of clarinetist Laurent Dehors which successfully performed at Pori Jazz 2011. The Finnish audience has also had the chance to appreciate the skills of Chevillon on bass saxophone as part of the Laurent Dehors Trio in March 2014. Joachim Florent too has been heard before in Finland, touring with two outstanding trios, Jean Louis (2010) and Metalophone (2012). The Belgian bassist was praised for his energetic and precise playing, and has also performed previously together with Aki Rissanen in the quartet White Light (2008). Leymarie is a new-comer in Finland. The drummer has been involved in many groups and has recently created his own Magnetic Ensemble, whose hypnotic trance has gone wild on the French alternative music scene.

Open event

Rhythm Future Quartet in Finland for the first time!

Rhythm Future Quartet, formed by Olli Soikkeli and Jason Anick, spent the last year by touring the U.S. extensively and their fresh gipsy swing can be enjoyed now on the Finnish soil. On the Finnish tour, the leading pair is joined by Teemu Åkerblom on the double bass and Tomi Kettunen on the guitar.

“RFQ breaks new ground for Gypsy jazz.” – Boston Globe

“Olli Soikkeli, a riveting Finnish guitarist who combines astonishing dexterity and speed with pure soul that places him among the worthiest current day successors to the legacy of the great Django.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Jason Anick is a rising star of the jazz violin” – Downbeat

Jason Anick – violin
Olli Soikkeli – guitar
Tomi Kettunen – guitar
Teemu Åkerblom – double bass

21 Mar Wiljami at 7:00PM, Rovaniemi
22 Mar Lehtopirtti at 3:00PM, Lehtojärvi
23 Mar Juttutupa at 9:00PM, Helsinki. W/ Django Collective Helsinki!
24 Mar Turun Musiikkiopisto at 7:00PM, Turku
25 Mar Harjulinna at 7:00PM, Parikkala
26 Mar Hannikaisen Sali at 7:00PM, Nurmes
27 Mar Konservatorion Sali at 7:00PM, Joensuu
28 Mar Lahden Pikkuteatteri at 7:00PM, Lahti
29 Mar Pjazza at 12PM, Helsinki

Open event