Inspired by the modern jazz sound of the New York scene, "Tales" is a spirited and classy debut from the young stellar quintet.
Fifth Avenue, a young Finnish quintet bursting with talent, brings out their anticipated first album, Tales, on 24 April. Started in 2011, Fifth Avenue draws heavily from the urban pulse of New York City and, indeed, the city’s buzz, cultural richness and versatility are firmly present in the band’s music. The compositions are penned by the three founding members: pianist Tuomas J. Turunen, U.S.-based guitarist Olli Hirvonen and saxophonist Ville Vannemaa, each of whom have built strong ties to the New York scene either through studies or gigging. The group’s nimble rhythm section is composed of bassist Teemu Åkerblom and drummer Mikko Arlin. Fifth Avenue will hit the road at the time of the album launch, performing in Tallinn, Helsinki and Turku.
The debut is built on the basis of strongly melodic, streamlined, modern NY jazz sound. Recorded live in one room, the musicians’ easy and spontaneous communication comes splendidly across from the album. Fifth Avenue is about layered rhythmic patterns and rich harmonies, infused with compelling swing and classy, straight-ahead modern feels. The album is mixed and mastered by sound engineer Dave Darlington, a veritable veteran in the NY scene with more than 30 years of experience, including collaborations with Sting, Whitney Houston and Herbie Hancock. “Fifth Avenue sound very international and the band members don’t pale in comparison with international, rising jazz stars,” says Darlington.
The album title, “Tales”, refers to little musical stories that the group creates collectively throughout the recording. Indeed, one of the album’s raison d’être is to pay homage to the welcoming, never-ending beat of New York City. “We were inspired by the everyday life and spirit of the city,” tells pianist Tuomas J. Turunen.
Despite their young ages, the members of Fifth Avenue are already experienced musicians who have established themselves through their own solo projects and as sidemen in various outfits. In addition to his own quartet and trio, saxophonist Ville Vannemaa plays in Teppo Mäkynen’s Teddy’s West Coasters, for example. The majority of the compositions are penned by the brilliant, peppy pianist Tuomas J. Turunen, known from Elena Mindru & The Rom Ensemble and Aili Ikonen & Tribute to Ella. Guitarist Olli Hirvonen, the Pori Jazz Artist of the Year in 2011, established himself in the NY jazz scene already five years ago. Mikko Arlin has found a second home in Stockholm’s jazz scene, and on the Finnish soil he has proven an energetic and versatile drummer in Nina Höynälä Band and Olli Hirvonen Quartet. Teemu Åkerblom has quickly become one of the first choices for a bassist in the Finnish jazz field, having collaborated with such recognised names as Timo Lassy, Jukka Eskola and Jussi Fredriksson.
Fifth Avenue: Tales
Groovy Records / GRCD1501 (release date 24 April 2015)
Distribution: Playground
1. Push (Olli Hirvonen) / 2. The Place of a Grand (Tuomas J. Turunen) / 3. Uncle J. (Tuomas J. Turunen) / 4. Hey There (Tuomas J. Turunen) / 5. Lost for Good (Tuomas J. Turunen) / 6. Medium Plus (Ville Vannemaa) / 7. One on One (Olli Hirvonen) / 8. Arbeit (Tuomas J. Turunen) / 9. Little Mushroom (Tuomas J. Turunen)
Fifth Avenue
Tuomas J. Turunen - piano / Olli Hirvonen - guitar / Ville Vannemaa - saxophones / Teemu Åkerblom - bass / Mikko Arlin - drums
Fift Avenue LIVE
27 April at 8:00PM Turku, Monk, 4 €
28 April at 8:00PM Tallinn, Philly Joe’s Jazz Bar, 10 €
29 April at 9:00PM Helsinki, Rytmihäiriöklubi, Juttutupa ALBUM-LAUNCHING SHOW Free entry!
27 August at 8:00PM Stockholm, Glenn Miller Café
28 August at 8:00PM Stockholm, Glenn Mille Café
Listen to "Hey There" below.