This spring, Raoul Björkenheim celebrates his 40-year career as an artist on tour with his band eCsTaSy. The tour begins with a 40th anniversary concert at Espoo's Sello Hall on Thursday, 24 March. In addition to eCsTaSy, the concert will feature a duo of Juhani Aaltonen and Björkenheim. After this festive kick-off in Espoo, the guitarist's quartet tour between 28 March–10 April in Finland and visit seven locations: Tampere, Savonlinna, Joensuu, Kuopio, Turku, Seinäjoki and Kuusankoski.
Seminal guitarist Raoul Björkenheim sets the mood for the future like this: “A tour with eCsTaSy will no doubt be a joyous meeting of minds after a long period of covid isolation. I love playing with these guys and I know a lot of pent-up energy will be released at these gigs!”
Founded in 2011, eCsTaSy is one of Björkenheim's most fascinating new ensembles. In this quartet, several generations of adventurous musicians meet in wild improvisation. On eCsTaSy’s third album, Doors of Perception (Cuneiform), listeners can enjoy the playing of an experienced band that relies on their ability to take risks and lead their music to surprising areas.
The concert at Sello Hall will be opened by a duo of two jazz legends, Juhani Aaltonen & Raoul Björkenheim, who have already joined forces before on the duo album Awakening (Eclipse Music 2018). Juhani “Junnu” Aaltonen (b. 1935) is considered one of the most significant tenor saxophonists and flutists in Finnish jazz music. Aaltonen has co-founded UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, played in the ranks of the Tasavallan Presidentti cult ensemble and has received several honors and awards, including the 2009 State Prize for Music.
When asked if live music can help people in difficult times, Björkenheim answers: “Music gives strength and hope. Sharing a concert experience with others creates a sense of community, which is one of the strongest assets of jazz. I also love sitting in a movie theater with others, sharing suppressed sighs and bouts of laughter. ”
RAOUL BJÖRKENHEIM – 40-VUOTISTAITEILIJAJUHLAKONSERTTI
Thursday 24 March 19:00
Sellosali, Soittoniekanaukio 1 A, 02600 Espoo
Tickets 25 € + service
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Juhani Aaltonen & Raoul Björkenheim:
Juhani Aaltonen, flue
Raoul Björkenheim, guitar
Raoul Björkenheim eCsTaSy:
Raoul Björkenheim, electric guitar
Pauli Lyytinen, saxophone
Jori Huhtala, double bass
Markku Ounaskari, drums
Raoul Björkenheim eCsTaSy on tour 28.3.-10.4.2022
Mon 28.3. at 19 Tampere, G Livelab
Tue 29.3. at 19 Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz
Wed 30.3. at 19 Joensuu, Kerubi / Jazzkerho 76 ry
Thu 31.3. at 19 Kuopio, Trattoria Sorrento, Vanha Mylly / Kuopio Jazz & Blues
Fri 8.4. at 19 Turku, Bar Ö / Flame Jazz
Sat 9.4. at 19 Seinäjoki, Hugo-Sali, Kalevan Navetta/ Jazzoikoon!
Sun 10.4. at 18 Kuusankoski, Patoklubi
Tour production: Vapaat äänet
Tour support: Arts Promotion Centre Finland
raoulbjorkenheim.com/ecstasy
www.vapaataanet.fi
Photo: Maarit Kytöharju