The new album, "Characters", delves into the repertoire of Wayne Shorter.
Riitta Paakki Trio, formed by the eponymous pianist, bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen – all successful Finnish jazz musicians –, bring 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. The album includes a number of faithful renditions, while some of the classic pieces have undergone a more radical face-lift. It is released, exceptionally, on vinyl only; but will be available on the streaming service Spotify on the release date. The album-launching show takes place on the same day at Koko Jazz Club in Helsinki, but the new album's material will surely be heard live later in October, too, when the trio hits the road on tour co-produced by Jazz HUG and the Finnish Jazz Federation.
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 Bassist Ari-Pekka Anttila and drummer Mikko Hassinen have been replaced by two younger-generation troupers; Jaska Lukkarinen on the drums and Antti Lötjönen on the bass.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.
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: Characters
Jaskaa / JASKAA002LP (release date 9 April.2015)
Distributor: Jazz HUG
1. This is for Albert / 2. Yes or no / 3. Wild flower / 4. Speak no evil / 5. Infant eyes / 6. Pinocchio / 7. Miyako
Digital download includes a bonus track, Black Nile.
All compositions: Wayne Shorter. All arrangements: Riitta Paakki.
Riitta Paakki Trio
Riitta Paakki - piano / Jaska Lukkarinen - drums / Antti Lötjönen - bass
Riitta Paakki Trio Live
9 April at 9:00PM Koko Jazz Club. Album-launching show. Tickets 10 /15 €.
14 April at 6:00PM Record Shop Digelius. Free entry.