Jazz Finland Live

Arriving from Finland is one of the most stunning and interesting trios on the scene in recent years. The group, led by pianist Joona Toivanen, strikes at first listen; theirs is a new language, capable of adding a new impression, unexpected and illuminating, to the endless literature of the piano trios. The Joona Toivanen Trio breathes in northern European moods that recall the last decade, knowledgeable of those who created their own language of jazz tradition overseas, and with strength and dedication are looking to redefine the boundaries of the trio format.

The new work of Joona Toivanen Trio is an additional outcome of their common vision, which has given rise to a sizable number of remarkable projects and records. The Finnish pianist, still accompanied by Tapani Toivanen on double bass and Olavi Louhivuori on drums, composed an album that strikes a balance between the modern and the traditional, and between quiet, distinctively Nordic jazz moods and openness to new sounds and new expressive forms. This all is made even more intriguing by the outstanding empathy among the three musicians, who are able to cleverly back one another and, through refined mutual listening, reach a remarkable degree of interplay and responsiveness. Thus, each of them plays a leading role, in turn, and bears the responsibility for steering his band-mates towards new directions, new vibes, new melodic insight. The “liaison” between the Finnish trio and CAM JAZZ began in 2010, when the album At My Side was released. Of course, many things have happened from that time to this “November” release (including Joona Toivanen’s solo experiments and Olavi Louhivuori’s fruitful association with Claudio Filippini and Palle Danielsson), which this trio benefited from, as one realizes when listening to this new album. Eleven tunes, the authorship of which is equally shared between the bandleader and Louhivuori, also saving space for the title track by the double bass player. From the opening track “Moon Illusion” to the closing track “Open, Closed”, there is a quiet feeling in the air: time drawn out, a soft touch and sober, balanced arrangements. A journey in search of a clear, pure, crystalline sound. An elegant, refined tone. A thoughtful album, that never stops looking for new inspirations, between skillful song-making and moments of intriguing improvisation.

The concert starts at 7 PM (the doors of Laulumiehet restaurant will open at 6:30 PM), restaurant Laulumiehet, Hietaniemenkatu 2, 00100 Helsinki. Ticket: 15€; retired, unemployed, couples and members of Helsinki Jazz: 10€; students: 8€.