The trio, whose released a new album last spring, is to tour Finland between 13 - 24 October. The tour is co-produced by Finnish Jazz Federation and Jazz HUG and it takes the group, among some places, to Satamankulma in Kuopio, Åbo Svenska Teater in Turku and Lavaklubi at the Finnish National Theatre, Helsinki.
Riitta Paakki Trio, formed by the eponymous pianist, bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen – all successful Finnish jazz musicians –, brought out a new album on 9 April on label Jaskaa. Entitled Characters, the new release consists of compositions by the legendary American composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter (b. 1933). Leader Paakki has focused on the Shorter of the 1960s, having handpicked a number of pieces from his repertoire and rearranged them for piano trio. Now, the new album's material will be heard live when the trio hits the road on tour co-produced by Jazz HUG and the Finnish Jazz Federation next month.
Characters offers essentially modern interpretations of a selection of Wayne Shorter’s compositions, published originally on the celebrated jazz label Blue Note. True to the monumental composer and to themselves, Riitta Paakki Trio has invested Shorter’s strong melodies, sturdy swing and tender atmospheres with a touch of Finnish melancholy and their own pellucid vision. Indeed, the album title is a reference to the members’ differing personalities and distinctive styles of playing, which meet and mix on the album. “Shorter’s compositions are strong and characteristic works in themselves, and on this album we have thrown in our own individual personas to boot”, says Paakki.
The new album introduces also the new line-up of Paakki’s trio. Bassist Ari-Pekka Anttila and drummer Mikko Hassinen have been replaced by two younger-generation troupers; Jaska Lukkarinen on the drums and Antti Lötjönen on the bass. Riitta Paakki Trio, founded as early as in 1996, released three albums on label Impala with its original crew. The debut RTP was shortlisted for the Jazz Emma Prize fresh from the oven. Characters is the first recording by the regenerated Riitta Paakki Trio. On tour, Lötjönen will be filled in for the three first gigs by Swedish double bassist Mattias Wellin.
Pianist Riitta Paakki (b. 1971) can be counted among the cream of Finnish jazz pianists. Currently working on her doctoral studies at the Sibelius Academy, Paakki is known for her elegant and gimmick-free style, which she has displayed over the years – in addition to her own trio – as a sidewoman in several vocalists’, such as Jenny Robson’s and Juki Välipakka’s, groups. Drummer Jaska Lukkarinen (b. 1982) – one of the hungry young lions of the Finnish jazz field – is a strong presence in many top-notch Finnish groups, such as the incomparable Dalindèo and his own band, NYConnection. Riitta Paakki Trio is completed by Antti Lötjönen (b. 1980) – undoubtedly the most sought-after jazz bassist in Finland today. Recently, Lötjönen has been kept busy by Timo Lassy Band, Ilmiliekki Quartet and Serenity Ensemble.
Riitta Paakki Trio
Riitta Paakki - piano / Jaska Lukkarinen - drums / Antti Lötjönen - bass
Riitta Paakki Trio Live
Tue 13.10. at 20 Savonlinna, Wanha Kasino 15/10 €
Wed 14.10. at 19 Kuopio, Satamankulma 15/10 €
Thu 15.10. at 19 Oulu, Kaupunginteatteri, Teatteriravintola 15/10 €
Fri 16.10. at 19 Joensuu, Konservatorio 15/10/6 €
Sat 17.10. at 19 Viitasaari, Miekkaniemi 10 €
Wed 21.10. at 21 Tallinna, Philly Joe’s
Thu 22.10. at 19 Helsinki, Kaunsallisteatteri, Lavaklubi 13/8 €
Fri 23.10. at 21 Turku, Flame Jazz, Åbo Svenska Teater, Café Tiljan 15/10€
Sat 24.10. at 21 Pori, Galle, JazzGalleria