Not lacking in either depth or fiery energy, bassist Teemu Åkerblom’s quartet brings out their debut on 18 September. The group will perform live at Jazz Business Club on the release date, and at the We Jazz 2015 Festival and in Helsinki and Flame Jazz concert series in Turku later this autumn.
One of the most promising newcomers of the Finnish jazz scene, bassist Teemu Åkerblom, releases his first album today on 18 September on label Jazzaggresion. Like their leader, the crew consists of some of Finland’s most gifted young jazz musicians, including drummer Mikko Arlin, saxophonist-flautist Max Zenger and tenor saxophonist Ville Vannemaa. In addition to the core quartet two more hornsmen appear on the album: trumpeter Verneri Pohjola and tenor saxophonist Jarno Tikka. The disc is composed entirely of original pieces by Åkerblom, whose music fuses deeper, darker tones with a good swing. To celebrate their debut, the band plays at Putte's Bar & Pizza in Helsinki on the release date joined by Verneri Pohjola. Later in the autumn they can be heard in Turku at Flame Jazz club series on 25 September and at We Jazz in Helsinki on 13 December.
Teemu Åkerblom’s (b. 1990) face has become familiar from such groups as the Turku-based Aura Flow and Trio Urho. Last year saw him frequently on the stage with Estonian jazz pianist Tonu Naissoo’s band, and lately he has also proved a savvy jazz DJ. Åkerblom’s own quartet was founded in early 2014 to present the already mature-sounding young bassist’s compositions. A strong undertone of spiritual jazz, straight-ahead rhythmic and tints of free improvisation characterise the band’s style, which reflects their leader’s already very mature musical vision.
The self-titled album will be released on CD, vinyl and digitally. In addition, there will be an exclusive 10” vinyl single of only 25 copies. Both the CD and vinyl sleeves feature artwork by LA-based artist and musician Steve Roden.
The label Jazzaggression is run by Norwegian, today Finland-based DJ Fredrik Lavik. Åkerblom’s album sees a new chapter in their catalogue, which has so far mainly concentrated on reissues.
Teemu Åkerblom Quartet: Teemu Åkerblom Quartet
Jazzaggression Records 2015 JACD707 / JALP707 (release date 18 September)
CD: 1. Blues for Martin / 2. Avo's Tune / 3. Harmaata näkyvissä / 4. Gilman's Point / 5. October 22 / 6. Dark Corners / 7. This One is for Her / 8. From Berlin
LP: A1 Blues for Martin / A2 Gilman's Point / A3 Dark Corners / B1 Avo's Tune / B2 Harmaata näkyvissä / B3 October 22
10" EP: A1 From Berlin / B1 This One is for Her
Teemu Åkerblom, bass / Mikko Arlin, drums / Max Zenger, saxes & flute / Ville Vannemaa, tenor sax (CD: 1., 2., 4. / LP: A1, A2, B1) / Jarno Tikka, tenor sax (CD: 6., 8. / LP: A3 / EP: A1) / Verneri Pohjola, trumpet (CD: 3., 5., 7. / LP: B2, B3 / EP: A2)
All compositions by Teemu Åkerblom
Teemu Åkerblom Quartet live:
Fri 18 Sep at 22.30 Helsinki, Jazz Business -klubi (Putte's Bar&Pizza)
Fri 25 Sep at 21 Turku, Flame Jazz (Jazzklubi Monk)
Fri 13 Dec at 18 Helsinki, We Jazz 2015 (Tavastia) w/ Timo Lassy Band, We Jazz DJs
https://www.facebook.com/teemuakerblomquartet
http://afro7.net/jazzaggression-records