Constellation of veritable Finnish jazz legends opens the Finnish Jazz Federation autumn tour season this year. Juhani Aaltonen Quartet, led by the veteran saxophonist, is to perform in eight Finnish cities on their tour from September to October.
The Finnish Jazz Federation is proud to kick off its autumn tour season by presenting a group with unparalleled amount of experience and original vision. Juhani Aaltonen Quartet, founded by some of the cornerstones of Finnish jazz life – the eponymous saxophonist, pianist Iro Haarla, bassist Ulf Krokfors and drummer Reiska Laine – is a real supergroup of Finnish jazz. They released an album Conclusions on the Helsinki-based quality label, TUM Records, in 2010. Their expression leans heavily on improvisation, which jas the effect of anchoring the music that often reflects Aaltonen’s long career firmly to the present.
Turning 80 this year, Juhani Aaltonen is famous for his lush and soulful tenor sax sound, which has grown ever more moving and vigorous over the years. Same goes for the deep tenderness even fragility, so characteristic of his expression. On the forthcoming tour, the leading man will be heard on the sax and the flute, backed by an exceptionally able crew. Pianist Iro Haarla, a signee on the prestigious ECM Records with her own quartet; bassist Ulf Krokfors a familiar face from a number of ground-breaking Finnish jazz groups; and drummer Reiska Laine, who just celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first appearance at the Pori Jazz Festival, all belong to Aaltonen’s trusted companions in music. It is hardly a surprise that this group epitomises how effortlessly a jazz group can work together.
Born in Kouvola in 1935, Juhani Aaltonen received the very second Yrjö Jazz Prize, awarded by the Finnish Jazz Federation, in history. The year was 1968. Defining recordings of his early career include Nana (1973), released in Edward Vesala’s name; Strings (1976), a collaboration album with Otto Donner and Etiquette (1974). In addition to the praised quartet album Conclusions, Aaltonen has released a duo recording, entitled Kirkastus, made in collaboration with Iro Haarla, earlier this year. As to the near future, Juhani Aaltonen Trio (Aaltonen, Krokfrors, Laine) are to bring out another album on TUM Records.
JUHANI AALTONEN QUARTET
Juhani Aaltonen - tenor saxophone, flute / Iro Haarla - piano / Ulf Krokfors - double bass / Reiska Laine - drums
Juhani Aaltonen Quartet on the Finnish Jazz Federation Tour / Autumn 2015
Fri 25 Sep Oulu, Teatteriravintola at 9:00PM
Sat 26 Sep Raahe, Raahesali at 7:00PM
Mon 28 Sep Savonlinna, Wanha Kasino at 8:00PM
Tue 29 Sep Kajaani, Kouta-sali at 7:00PM
Wed 30 Sep Pieksämäki, Poleeni at 7:00PM
Thu 1 Oct Lappeenranta, Kolme Lyhtyä at 8:00PM
Fri 2 Oct Kuopio, Musiikkikeskus, Jazzklubi at 9:30PM
Sat 3 Oct Joensuu, Konservatorion sali, at 6:00PM