Kasperi Sarikoski Nuance to kick off the Finnish Jazz Federation tours 2016
A strong young voice on the Finnish Jazz field, trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski's quintet goes on their first Finnish Jazz Federation tour on 19 - 30 January.
News
News -page consists of current topics and interesting articles about jazz in Finland.
Kuopio Jazz Gear to release their spring programme
Established last autumn, Kuopio Music Gear kicks off their first spring season confidently with Hans Olding – Jaska Lukkarinen Trio’s concert on 15 January. Kuopio’s Satamankulma will again play host to a series of jazz concerts, seeing the likes of Kasperi Sarikoski & Nuance, Pepa Päivinen & Good Romans and Fifth Avenue take the stage over the spring.
Four pieces to make it to the Finals of Turku Jazz Orchestra Composition Competitition
Turku Jazz Orchestra launched a composition competition for jazz composers based in Southwest Finland last autumn. Now four works from three local composers have been selected to be performed in the final concert, organised at Turku’s Logomo in early February.
Joonas Haavisto Trio to bring out a new album 8 January
Oku, the third recording by pianist Joonas Haavisto’s trio, comes out on 8 January on Fredriksson Music. The release will be followed by a tour in Finland and, later in the spring, Japan.
The spring season of Turku Jazz Orchestra to present local composers and Finnish top artists
Turku Jazz Orchestra’s spring season spotlights local composers in the finals of the TJO Big Band Composition Competition and sees two acclaimed Finnish jazz artists, saxophonist Timo Lassy and vocalist Aili Ikonen, front the big band in two concerts. Also, the Big Band School will expand its education activities.
Vilma Timonen Quartet on tour in Nepal at the turn of the year
Folk/jazz groupVilma Timonen Quartet, who released their third album in November 2015, has head to Nepal on a tour from 31 December 2015 to 9 January 2016. The recording has met with a positive response in both Finnish and international media.
Legendary Drummer Steve Gadd to Finland in January
Steve Gadd, one of the most influential drummers of all time, is to perform in Finland twice towards the end of January with his trio Blicher/Hemmer/Gadd. The group will play live at Koko Jazz Club on Friday 29 January and star the Flame Jazz Cruise, casting off on Saturday 30 January.
Music lector and choral conductor Kaija Viitasalo receives the honorary title of music counsellor
The president has granted master of music Kaija Viitasalo the honorary title of Music Counsellor (fin. “musiikkineuvos”) on 11 December 2015. Viitasalo’s achievements as an award-winning choral conductor, pioneering figure in the field of women’s choral music and versatile music pedagogue were seen strongly in her favour.
UMO and Micheal Brecker’s collaboration album warmly applauded by media
Released this autumn, UMO Jazz Orchestra and sax legend Michael Brecker’s collaboration album 'Live in Helsinki' 1995 has hit the jackpot with jazz critics. Especially in the U.S., the album has been noted – with special warmth: Down Beat – the Bible for any fan of jazz – rewarded the album with 4 ½ stars out of 5 in their January issue, and JazzTimes has only positive things to say about this “stellar archival find”.
Welcome the new year with Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble at Savoy Theatre
The best party of the New Year’s Eve takes place in Savoy Theatre this year when the jazz/funk/afrobeat/ powerball Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble takes the stage. This success story began when a group of Finns went to Benin and joined forces with local virtuoso musicians. What followed was the Ethno Album of the Year in 2014 and a number of concerts around the world. The winning music of guitarist Janne Halonen and singer/percussionist Noël Saïzonou never fails to gain them new fans, wherever in the world the band goes.