Bassist and composer Nathan Francis makes his debut as band leader with his new quartet line-up. The band compiled by Francis includes power figures of Finnish jazz, the legendary tenor saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen, pianist Markus Niittynen and drummer Aleksi Heinola. The album will be released on March 26 on vinyl, CD and digitally.
Bassist and composer Nathan Francis, who moved from the United States to Helsinki, will release his debut album on March 26 and join forces with Finnish jazz legend, tenor saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen, pianist Markus Niittynen and drummer Aleksi Heinola. Nathan Francis Quartet feat. Eero Koivistoinen offers up three intensely swinging and melodic original compositions, as well as three versions of standards Francis has picked for the line-up.
In 2018, Nathan Francis moved from San Francisco to study at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Since then, the visionary young bassist has played with e.g. Alder Ego, Aleksi Heinola Quintet, Perussastamala and Max Zenger Globus. Francis also performed last summer at the wedding celebration of Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin with Emilia Nojonen’s quartet.
Berlin- and Malmö-based label Ajabu! Records releases Nathan Francis Quartet feat. Eero Koivistoinen album on Friday, March 26, 2021 as LP, CD and digitally.
Nathan Francis Quartet Feat. Eero Koivistoinen
Ajabu! Records LP / CD / digital (AJABULP036 / AJABU036)
Release date: 26.3.2021
Distribution: Ajabu! Records
1. Minor Solution (Eero Koivistoinen) / 2. After the Morning (John Hicks) / 3. Crystal Clear (Markus Niittynen) / 4. Song of Her (Cecil McBee) / 5. Late Show (Eero Koivistoinen) / 6. Vilia (John Coltrane & Franz Lehar)
Nathan Francis Quartet
Eero Koivistoinen, tenor saxophone / Markus Niittynen, piano / Nathan Francis, double bass / Aleksi Heinola, drums
Recording: Sibelius Academy, January 2020
Mixing and mastering: Sonic Pump Studios, Helsinki
Mixer: Joel Ward
Mastering: Tommi Vainikainen
Design: Anna Goffe
Photos: Kristiina Salmi
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