Jazz Finland Live

Formed in 2018, Chico Matada Group was born in the circles of Helsinki’s live music scene. Drawn from a need to write and perform original music that is anchored in modern jazz idiom, the bands music is distinguished by evocative melodies, epical harmonies, deft arrangements, all mixed up with African culture.

The live show displays their unique approach to perform music with intricate structures and skilfull use of improvisation coupled with vocal ornamentation. Yet, it all sounds integrated and captivating to every music fan.

Chico Matada - Drums
Sam Jaakkola - Double bass
Nikita Rafaelov - Piano
Héctor Lepe - Guitar

www.chicomatada.com

Open event

Trumpet player Jukka Eskola (b. 1978) has delighted the Finnish jazz scene with his music for over twenty years. Eskola has played dozens of times with UMO’s trumpet section, and last summer he stood up as the orchestra’s soloist for the first time at a few festival gigs.

In this series of three concerts in May, UMO presents compositions from Eskola’s exhaustive list of recordings in soul and bossa nova, including a couple of pieces from his album that comes out in spring 2019. The conductor of the concert, Mikko Hassinen, has made fresh big band arrangements of these compositions.

In addition to his own bands Jukka Eskola Soul Trio, Jukka Eskola Quintet and Jukka Eskola Orquestra Bossa, the busy trumpeter has played in the groups Five Corners Quintet andRicky-Tick Big Band. Eskola has six solo albums, about 200 album tracks, Pori Jazz Artist of the Year award, several Emma nominations, theatre productions and many teaching posts under his belt. Eskola also plays in orchestras of various television programs.

Open event

Jere Haakana Varjosto on Jazz Finland Tour, May 2–17, 2019

Jere Haakana Varjosto, formed in 2016, is an original jazz quartet with rock influences. Their music combines the powerful character compositions and cinematic soundscapes to rhythmic energy and improvisation drawing from tradition of jazz. In addition to jazz fans, the composition-centric music and the electric guitar tones resonate also with listeners less familiar with traditional jazz ensemble sound. Varjosto celebrate the release of their debut album on the Jazz Finland tour in May 2019.

Jere Haakana (b.1983) is a free-spirited guitarist and composer, who doesn’t respect the narrow box, which jazz music is so often locked into. In addition to leading his own Varjosto quartet, he has played contemporary jazz in Kasperi Sarikoski’s Nuance, contemporary art music in Unio Ensemble, hip hop in Redrama's band and big band music with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.

Jere Haakana – guitar, Artturi Rönkä – piano, keys, Juho Kivivuori – bass, Ville Pynssi – drums

Tour Dates:

2.5. Tarto, Tarto Club
3.5. Tallinna, Philly Joe’s
7.5. Kuopio, Maxim
8.5. Oulu, Vanha Paloasema Bar
9.5. Seinäjoki, Hotelli Alma
10.5. Turku, Bar Ö
14.5. Lieksa, Brahe-sali
15.5. Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari
16.5. Jyväskylä, Poppari
17.5. Espoo, April Jazz Club, Tapiola Garden

Open event

Mikko Innanen and Simo Laihonen have collaborated together in numerous temporary formations. Now they have found their way to a stable duo situation which utilizes various wind and percussion instruments with common sensitivity. Their concerts are all improvised and unplanned. Duo’s first output on record was released on Eclipse Music label in November 2016. This double disc set features both studio and live recordings and is titled ”April Fools”.

Free admission for this concert at Laikku Music Hall. Welcome!

Open event