Finnish HERD trio featuring sax player Joakim Berghäll play at the Open Doors event in the Prime Minister's residence Kesäranta. Helsinki celebrates then, on the 22nd of August, Kesäranta's 140-year anniversary.
HERD is a jazz trio of vibraphone, double bass and drums. Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, the combo ranks among the most potent of the new breed of forward-thinking jazz ensembles. The band has already gained both domestic and international acclaim thanks to their successful debut album “HERD Live!!“, and their energetic stage presence. In July 2011, HERD was awarded the first prize at the prestigious “European Jazz Competition” at Holland’s North Sea Jazz Festival.
Founded in 2009, HERD consists of Panu Savolainen (vibes), Mikko Pellinen (bass) and Tuomas Timonen (drums). Their no-nonsense swing is matched by canny songwriting, attention to detail, plus a knack at intense peer and audience interaction. At the core of the HERD sound is the dynamic growth of the band’s compositions, especially on stage. This has been proved time and again at all major Finnish jazz festivals, including Finland’s premiere annual jazz gathering, the Pori Jazz Festival, where HERD hosted the Café Jazz jam sessions in 2010 to great success. Savolainen was also selected as the “Artist of the Year” by the festival the same year.
Additional live glories of the young band thus far include securing a highly sought-after slot at the Finnish Jazz Federation’s touring circuit which also led to the recording of the “HERD LIve!!” album, participating at the Young Nordic Jazz Comets competition in 2009, recording studio sessions for the National Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE’s Jazz Radio and Helsinki’s Bassoradio FM, and performing at the Grand Opening of the recently initiated Helsinki Music Centre, broadcasted live nationwide. Whether a concert hall or a small club, HERD is proven to be right at home on stage.
With instrumental skills, vision and ability to make things happen, HERD is a young jazz act with considerable mileage.
HERD with Joakim Berghäll Live
The Night Of The Arts, Aug 22, 2013
Kesäranta, Kesärannantie 1, at 5 - 9pm
www.herdtrio.com
www.facebook.com/herdtrio
www.twitter.com/herdtrio
www.joakimberghall.com