We Jazz will release pianist-composer Olli Ahvenlahti's new album Mirror Mirror on April 19th. Stylistically positioned as a continuation of the classic 1970s albums The Poet and Bandstand, the album also celebrates the long career and lifetime achievements of the Finnish jazz legend who turns 75 this year. Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet will perform material from the new album at the April Jazz festival in Espoo on April 27th.
The new album Mirror Mirror marks Olli Ahvenlahti's return to the realm of electrified jazz-funk, following his previous acoustic ensemble album Thinking, Whistling (We Jazz Records, 2017). The connection to the classic 1976 album The Poet is evident, as Ahvenlahti's band performed under the name The Poet II on preceding gigs to the album release. However, the album was not conceived strictly as a sequel, allowing for musical exploration in new directions. Joining Ahvenlahti's ensemble on the album and live performances are trumpeter Jukka Eskola, saxophonist Joonatan Rautio, bassist Ville Herrala, and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen – each contributing to realize the composer's vision. Ahvenlahti himself handles the keyboards, listed on the album as "Fender Rhodes Seventy Three Electric Piano and Oberheim Synthesizer." The album cover features the artwork I looked at her and she looked back IV (2019) by visual artist Eeva-Riitta Eerola.
Mirror Mirror comprises eight compositions by Ahvenlahti, ranging from the potent jazz-funk of the first single Paint It Blue to the serene rhythm ballad of the closing track Bedtime Snack. The maestro allows ample space for his excellent ensemble, resulting in a sonically pleasing yet dynamically surprising overall sound. The leisurely pace and honesty in Ahvenlahti's compositions reflect the experience of his long career.
"I wanted to make one more powerful album," Ahvenlahti states. "The goal is always the same, but with age, the statement carries a more tangible echo. Both in composing and playing, there's a sense of 'now or never' that comes with the passing years."
Listen to Paint It Blue on Spotify
Listen to Rhythm and Rhymes on Spotify
Mirror Mirror on Bandcamp
We Jazz will release Olli Ahvenlahti's new album Mirror Mirror on black vinyl, CD, and digitally. The LP comes in a stylish "inside out" sleeve with a protected black inner sleeve. The CD is presented in laminated cardboard packaging.
Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet / upcoming gigs:
April 27th: April Jazz, Espoo
August 3rd: SaltFest, Loviisa
(More gigs to be announced)
Image: I looked at her and she looked back IV (2019), Eeva-Riitta Eerola