Jazz Finland Live

UMO Jazz Orchestra and the congregation of Kallio organise concert event Human meets Human for asylum seekers lodging at the reception centres of Helsinki and residents of Helsinki. The event takes place at Kallio Church and Kallio Church park on Monday 28 September from 3-5PM.

Initiated by members of the big band the idea was received enthusiastically by Kallio congregation that has collaborated with the Kaarlenkatu reception centre frequently.
“Finnish entrepreneurs and private people have already lent a helping hand by donating everyday essentials and clothes to the refugees. UMO wanted to act too, but in a way that comes naturally to a big band. The language of jazz music is universal and can bring people together and provide consolation and faith in what is to come”, says Eeva Pirkkala, managing director for UMO.

“The goal of Human meets Human is, as the title suggests, providing an atmosphere where asylum seekers and residents of Helsinki can encounter each other in a friendly and natural way. In addition to live music, coffee will be served. There will be time for free socialising and a playing area for kids. Come and bid your new neighbours a warm welcome”, says reverend Mari Mattsson.

www.umo.fi

Open event

This autumn's first honorable international guest at Koko Jazz Club is American drummer Adam Nussbaum. Over his career, Nussbaum has collaborated with the likes of John Abercrombie, Michael & Randy Brecker, Eliane Elias, Gil Evans and Stan Getz. At Koko, he will be performing with Finns Joonatan Rautio, Jukkis Uotila and Timo Hirvonen.

Adam Nussbaum (USA) - drums
Joonatan Rautio - sax
Jukkis Uotila - piano
Timo Hirvonen - bass

The concert is a co-production with Sibelius Academy.

Tickets 20 / 15 €

Open event

Juhani Aaltonen is unarguably one of the cornerstones of Finnish jazz with his lush and soulful tenor sax sound. “Junnu” will reach the honourable age of 80 this year; however, his instrument sings more movingly than ever before. On the Finnish tour, Aaltonen will be leading his quartet, composed of his bandmates from over the years. Drummer Reiska Laine is Aaltonen’s enduring partner in music and another grand old man of Finnish jazz. The bass is in the able hands of Ulf Krokfors, who is as much at home performing solo as with a big band, while Iro Haarla, who has earned her spurs in, for example, Edward Vesala’s Sound & Fury, occupies the pianist’s seat. The couple Krokfors/Haarla are also known for their excellent compositions.

Juhani Aaltonen Quartet has released one album, “Conclusions”, in 2010 on the label TUM Records. The title, indeed, is reflective of the maestro’s long career. However, room is left for the present too, represented by free improvisation, which the group embraces both live and on the recording. By the means of improvisation, meditation upon past is rendered relevant in the now.

Juhani Aaltonen – tenor saxophone and flute
Iro Haarla - piano
Ulf Krokfors – double bass
Reiska Laine – drums

Production: Olavin Jazz ry.

Open event