This jazz quartet led by saxophonist Pauli Lyytinen and starring the internationally acclaimed trumpeter Verneri Pohjola will celebrate its debut album at one of the main concerts of the Pori Jazz Festival 2017 on 14 July.
Pauli Lyytinen Magnetia Orkesteri performed their music around Finland in September 2016 on the Finnish Jazz Federation tour, quickly becoming known as a fresh and fascinating quartet in the league of new Finnish jazz bands. The debut album, simply titled I and recorded at Finnvox studios, expands their concert programme to an intriguing direction. In addition to the album release show at one of the main concerts of this year’s Pori Jazz festival, the group will perform in the Jazz Espa concert series in Helsinki on 31 July and hit the road on a tour again in September.
Founded in spring 2015, Pauli Lyytinen Magnetia Orkesteri is an acoustic quartet with a strong improvisational drive. Lyytinen was fascinated by the openness of the sound that this particular line-up of trumpet, saxophone, double bass and drums could offer. He deliberately recruited musicians who are known – in addition to their original and unique style – for their earthy and organic sound. Jointly this quartet boasts a full and warm sound. Compositions penned by Lyytinen both offer each band members’ strengths to come to the fore and encourage the band to venture to unexplored areas.
Pauli Lyytinen (b. 1983) is an active front line representative of the young Finnish jazz generation now in their thirties. Known for his flair for strong and original expression, Lyytinen is a familiar face from such groups as Elifantree, Pauli Lyytinen Machinery, Kauhukakara, Equally Stupid, Raoul Björkenheim eCsTaSy and Mikko Innanen 10+.
Verneri Pohjola is one of Finland's best-known and most internationally acclaimed jazz musicians. He has recorded for such prestigious labels as ACT and Edition Records. Pohjola’s latest album Pekka, released in early June, has already become a phenomenon.
Bassist Eero Tikkanen’s powerful touch and impressive improvisational skills have moved the hearts of many a jazz fan in recent years. Tikkanen is probably best-known for his work in the trio Mopo. Completing the rhythm section is drummer Mika Kallio, bedrock of Finnish jazz drumming, who has recently collaborated with the likes of Kari Ikonen, Mikko Innanen and Verneri Pohjola, among others.
PAULI LYYTINEN MAGNETIA ORKESTERI
Pauli Lyytinen - saxophone
Verneri Pohjola - trumpet
Eero Tikkanen – double bass
Mika Kallio - drums