“Saarnaaja”, the third studio album of the Sointi Jazz Orchestra, is a homage to saxophonist and flutist Juhani “Junnu” Aaltonen. The album is released at the ensemble’s anniversary concert on Saturday 3 November. Sointi Jazz Orchestra supports the new album performing together with Aaltonen on a mini-tour covering three cities in Finland.
The third album of the Sointi Jazz Orchestra, Saarnaaja, includes a five-part work of the same name from the artistic director of the orchestra, Rasmus Soini. The work is dedicated to Juhani “Junnu” Aaltonen and Sointi Jazz Orchestra. The premier of the compositions was at Espoo Cultural Centre in March 2016 and it was recorded later that year at Magnusborg studio in Porvoo. The work was inspired by Aaltonen’s persona and career, and the name “Saarnaaja” (the Preacher) refers to a parallel between the forceful speech of a preacher and musician playing an instrument.
“There is always certain pathos, magical depth and enchanted narration in Junnu’s performance. As an improviser, he is magnificent! I aimed to combine these features with the versatile sound world of Sointi Orchestra”, Soini comments.
Saarnaaja is released by Savonlinna-based Nova Records on CD and LP. The album was recorded and mixed by Mikko Renfors. The graphics are made by Juha Koivusalo.
Sointi Jazz Orchestra’s 5th Anniversary Concert
Sat 3.11. at 16.00 Arabiasali, Helsinki
Arabiankatu 2, Helsinki
Tickets 5e
Juhani Aaltonen & Sointi Jazz Orchestra: Saarnaaja album release tour
Sat 24.11. at 18.00 Savonlinna Cathedral, Savonlinna
Pappilankatu 8, Savonlinna
Programme 20/10e
Sun 25.11. at 16.00 Warkaus-sali, Varkaus
Kauppatori 6, Varkaus
Tickets 20,50/11,50e (inc. service fee)
Sat 1.12. at 16.00 Sain Paul’s Church, Helsinki
Sammatintie 5, Helsinki
Programme10e
Line-up: Juhani Aaltonen (tenor saxophone, alto flute), Rasmus Soini (conductor), Petteri Hietamäki (saxophones, flute), Pekka Seppänen (saxophones, wids), Frans Thomsson (saxophones, winds), Janne Saarinen (saxophone, oboe), Sami Leponiemi (saxophone, winds), Mikko Koponen (trumpet), Tomi Nikku (trumpet), Mikko Pettinen (trumpet), Jasmin Afaneh (trumpet, flutes), Hannes Kaukoranta (French horn), Mikko Haanpää (trombone), Panu Luukkonen (trombone), Matti Vuolahti (trombone), Kenneth Ojutkangas (tuba), Aleksis Liukko (piano), Oskari Siirtola (double bass), Joona Räsänen (drums)