The faces of Jazz Finland turn to the future

The website was officially launched on the 5th of September in the Music House in Helsinki, followed by a panel discussion on the future of suomijazz. Jazz Finland's three faces, vocalist Aili Ikonen, trumpeter Verneri Pohjola and drummer-pianist-composer Jukkis Uotila, share their views on the website and their hopes for the future.

Jazz Finland got its ouverture in the general and overall mindset of the Finnish jazz professionals: We need a platform for information and a comprehensive and up-to-date concert calendar. Jazz Finland got a recognizable look, as three extraordinary Finnish musicians gave faces to the new website and community. Aili Ikonen, Verneri Pohjola and Jukkis Uotila, how can a musician benefit from the new service?

"I'm interested in finding all the info about concerts and everything in the same place. The way the information is displayed, is intriguing", says Pohjola, and Ikonen backs him up about the importance of being up-to-date on what's going on. Uotila sees the opportunity to increase the visibility of music, and finding useful contacts, such as clubs, festivals etc. Also, there are hundreds of musicians in Finland who play jazz, but the country is wide, and they don't necessarily have a way of communicating with each others.
"Maybe Jazz Finland could also be helpful in finding new ways to network with other Finnish musicians?" suggests Ikonen.

Our JF "models" are a great example of Finnish jazz culture itself: They are hard-working and versatile artists, who have many irons in the fire. Towards the year's end, Verneri Pohjola records "a couple of albums" and tours with his Verneri Pohjola Quartet. He also substitutes in interesting projects, such as Ricky-Tick Big Band.

Aili Ikonen plans on touring and composing for the next few months. In October she and HERD trio release an album of jazz schlagers from the golden era, and tour Finland aroung the record release. In December Aili Ikonen & Tribute To Ella orchestra make a two-week tour for the Finnish Jazz Federation. As if this wasn't enough, the singer performs with several groups, like Jyväskylä Big Band, and also composes music for a dance piece together with Jussi Fredriksson.

Aside from teaching and mentoring talented students in Sibelius Academy, Jukkis Uotila joins the tour and record relese of Stockholm Jazz Orchestra. He also makes time for concerts with Tim Hagans Quartet and NDR Big Band, and composing his own big band material.

Jazz Finland faces 2013

Verneri Pohjola, b. 23.12.1977

Education:
Master of Music, Sibelius Academy

Active Ensembles:
Verneri Pohjola Quartet, Antti Lötjönen Quartet East, Black Motor, UMO, Adam Baldych Imaginary Quintet, Petter Wettre Next Generation, Blind Date w/ Sylvain Rifflet, Pascal Schumacher & Henning Sieverts

Latest Album:
Verneri Pohjola Quartet: "Ancient History"

Next Concert:
Verneri Pohjola Quartet, Porvoo Jazz Festival