Jazz Finland Live

Riitta Paakki Quartet's music emanates a mature vision and a bright attitude. The irresistibly effortless swing from the origins of jazz blends seamlessly into the Northern tones of Paakki's compositions. The written music gives plenty of room for interaction between the musicians, and together the band members create an expressive and joyful experience, which is conveyed to the hearts of the listeners. Riitta Paakki has released two albums with this quartet ensemble. The latest release, Piste (2020) extends the Finnish bop-master's songbook to other modern era American styles too. 

Riitta Paakki – piano, Manuel Dunkel – saxophone, Antti Lötjönen – bass, Joonas Riippa – drums 

Open event

Melodic, primitive free jazz by the top-notch improvisers! Jorma Tapio & Kaski use their inherent Nordic identity as a springboard to the universal and further on to the unknown. The group operates from the basis of compositions and unplanned improvisation, from sombre whisper to the rumble of stormy winds. Wide palette of instrumentation expands group’s expressive range, paying homage to various music cultures of the world. The group's critically acclaimed debut album Ghatika was selected among the best albums in 2016 by the New York Jazz Records, and their sophomore, Aliseen, was released in the summer 2020 via a New York-based label 577 Records. 

Jorma Tapio – alto and tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flutes, Eero Tikkanen – bass, Janne Tuomi – drums, percussion 

Open event

Gourmet returns – with fresh tunes! Gourmet was formed by guitarist Esa Onttonen and saxophonist Mikko Innanen a stunning 24 years ago. The sextet played their first Jazz-Espa concert on a rainy summer day in 2004. Now they return to Espa stage for the third time with the same formalwear, but new shenanigans.  as their repertoire consists of compositions from their new album New Habitat, which was released in November 2020 at Tampere Jazz Happening.  

Mikko Innanen – saxophone, Esa Onttonen – guitar, Ilmari Pohjola – trombone, Veli Kujala – accordion, Petri Keskitalo – tuba, Mika Kallio – drums 

Open event

The SF Heritage Orchestra was born out of love for a time that no longer exists. The band's playing includes Montmarte's artist bubbles, Harlem jazz clubs and gramophone rasp. The music honors the big stars of the first half of the 20th century, Django, Edith, Louis as well as the bitter-sweet Slavic atmosphere. Everything is based on jazz musicians' own interpretations while respecting the old one. 

Samu Forsblom | trumpet 

Tuomas J. Turunen | piano 

Frank Kuusiniemi | guitar 

Harri Sarkkinen | bass 

Olli Estola | drums 

Free entry

Open event

Open event