Sakari Kukko and Raoul Björkenheim have been chosen as the new Finnish Jazz Legends. This award has been given to distinguished, long-standing musicians since 2001. From 2001 to 2014, the awards were presented by the Finnish Big Band Association, the Finnish Jazz & Pop Archive, and the Imatra Big Band Festival. Since 2017, the awards have been granted by Music Archive Finland.
Jazz legend number 41, Sakari Kukko, is best known for his versatile career, which combines influences from various musical cultures around the world, in addition to jazz. His biography, Sakari Kukko – kaiken maailman pelimanni, published in 2017, aptly describes his remarkable career.
He is most renowned for his involvement with the Piirpauke group, founded in 1974. Throughout decades of various line-ups, Kukko has incorporated elements from Finnish folk music, as well as African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European music into Piirpauke's music. Alongside Piirpauke, he has performed not only in numerous European countries but also in Asia and North America, embarking on extensive musical study trips worldwide.
Born in Kajaani in 1953, Sakari Kukko, who plays saxophones, flutes, and keyboards, has performed in various ensembles, from free jazz bands and big bands to symphony orchestras and rock groups. His musical diversity is also highlighted by his involvement with Senegalese world music star Youssou N'Dour's Etoile du Dakar group.
In addition to Piirpauke's numerous recordings, Sakari Kukko has released several albums under his own name, including hymn and Christmas-themed albums. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, such as the Yrjö Prize granted by the Finnish Jazz Federation in 1976.
Jazz legend number 42, guitarist and composer Raoul Björkenheim, has lived and created music during his over 40-year career in both New York and Helsinki. His dynamic and lyrical music is influenced by both jazz and rock.
Born in Los Angeles and now 67 years old, Björkenheim was a founding member of Edward Vesala's Sound and Fury ensemble. In 1985, he formed Krakatau with Vesala, known for its energetic performances. Björkenheim's other ensembles include the Scorch Trio, eCsTaSy Quartet, and Triad, among others. He has also performed with artists like Bill Laswell, Hamid Drake, William Parker, Lukas Ligeti, and Joe Fonda, as well as in a duo with Juhani Aaltonen. Björkenheim has worked as a solo guitarist with various orchestras, including the Helsinki City Orchestra, Avanti, the RSO, UMO, and Tampere Philharmonic.
Björkenheim's stylistically diverse discography ranges from ambient soundscapes to free jazz. He has composed music for various ensembles, from duos to symphony orchestras, and has also contributed to music for films and dance productions.
He has received accolades such as the Yrjö Prize for the best jazz musician of the year and the Jazz Emma award. He was honored with the Yrjö Award from the Finnish Jazz Federation in 1984.
For a list of Finnish Jazz Legends, visit:
https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomen_Jazzlegenda
Photo: Maarit Kytöharju