FRMCD016
Format: CD - Digipack 4 pages
Release date: 11.11.2016
Jazz: Modern


A Latest masterpiece from the fast rising Nordic Star.” - Jazz Critique Magazine (March 2016)


Joonas Haavisto, one of the most talented jazz pianists of his generation, released his new album "Oku" through Helsinki's Fredriksson Music in Finland in January 2016. Marking the third release for Haavisto, "Oku" unites three stellar musicians from the Finnish scene. Haavisto on piano is joined by Antti Lötjönen on bass and Joonas Riippa on drums on a set which features 7 originals penned by Haavisto plus the lone standard "When I Fall in Love" by Victor Young. The album also received a Japanese release via Blue Gleam, and the trio was on a tour in Japan in April performing five concerts, which were very successful. The theme and the title of the new album is the Japanese term "Oku", a path – or perhaps even more aptly, an "inner space". For the band, it symbolizes their 10 years of playing together, honing their personal skills and the shared trio sound. The traditional formation of a jazz piano trio is a dynamic vehicle for expression for Haavisto, Lötjönen and Riippa, who bring together their vast experience in playing with various kinds of formations, many ranking at the top of the vibrant Finnish jazz scene. Of Haavisto's band mates, bassist Antti Lötjönen is known for being part of many of the top ranking Finnish ensembles including Timo Lassy Band, The Five Corners Quintet, Verneri Pohjola Quartet and Ilmiliekki Quartet. He was also awarded as the "Artist of the Year" at Pori Jazz 2015. Drummer Joonas Riippa mans the drum stool of Mikko Innanen 10+, Plop, Mikko Innanen & Innkvisitio, Kahden Miehen Galaksi, plus more. Haavisto's compositions on "Oku" are inspired by the urban landscapes of Tokyo, the legacy of the legendary Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and the wild nature of Finland.