Eskola's crew is composed of organist Mikko Helevä and drummer Teppo Mäkynen, but in addition the recording features a host of notable guests. The 10-inch vinyl EP is co-released by new Helsinki-based label, Grotto Editions, and We Jazz. The group opens the new We Jazz concert series on island Lonna on Sunday 12 June.
Trumpeter Jukka Eskola, one of the fixed stars of Finnish jazz, issues a self-titled EP with his new outfit, Soul Trio. Having already proven a captivating live act, they now bring out their first recording, containing four tracks, on vinyl and in digital format. In addition to the core crew – Eskola on the trumpet, Mikko Helevä on the organ and Teppo Mäkynen on the drums – the album features three notable guests: Finns saxophonist Timo Lassy and bassist Ville Herrala and Swedish flutist Magnus Lindgren. Working within the tradition of soul jazz, Jukka Eskola Soul Trio is about warm sounds and easy swing but not without a modern touch. Three out of the four tracks are by Eskola and Mäkynen, while the last track is a new rendition of the Mercer Ellington piece “Jumpin’ Punkins”. As has been the case with Eskola’s previous efforts, Mäkynen is also the producer of the new EP. The group gives their album launching show on the Helsinki coastal island Lonna, kicking off the new summery concert series organised by We Jazz.
“I have for long been dreaming of working with an organ trio and now this dream is finally fulfilled,” says Eskola. “After my last group, the nine-piece Orquesta Bossa, it has been really refreshing to perform with such a compact outfit as the Soul Trio. Of course working with a trio comes with its peculiar challenges, too, because each member’s role is so flexible and varied. With this band I have wanted to focus on robust swing and organic soul feels and for me the artists who have the strongest grasp of these two things are, of course, drummer Teppo Mäkynen and organist Mikko Helevä. For this project I have myself drawn inspiration especially from the style of the legendary Clark Terry.”
Jukka Eskola Soul Trio is the first artist to release their music on the new Helsinki-based record label, Grotto Editions, managed by Antti Eerikäinen whom fans of jazz will remember as the man behind the renowned Ricky-Tick Records. Grotto Editions will be concentrating on vinyl releases, and this series of ten-inches will be continued in co-operation with We Jazz, which is also taking its first steps as a record label.
Watch Jukka Eskola Soul Trio play the track Introducing Blues:
Jukka Eskola Soul Trio: Jukka Eskola Soul Trio
Grotto Editions X We Jazz 10" EP / digi (GROTTO001 / WJEP01)
Distribution: Playground Music
1. Railyard Boogie (J. Eskola / T. Mäkynen) / 2. Subterranean Variations (T. Mäkynen) / 3. Hong Thong (J. Eskola) / 4. Jumpin' Punkins (M. Ellington)
Jukka Eskola, trumpet / Mikko Helevä, organ / Teppo Mäkynen, drums
feat. Timo Lassy, sax / Ville Herrala, bass / Magnus Lindgren, flute
Producer: Teppo Mäkynen
Jukka Eskola Soul Trio live / album launching show
We Jazz X Lonna 2016, Island Lonna (Helsinki)
Sun 12 Jun at 15
+ Jazz kiinnostaa live and We Jazz DJs
Tickets 18/12 € ja 35 € (family ticket) pre-tickets on Tiketti
Event on Facebook