JASKA LUKKARINEN TRIO

 JASKA LUKKARINEN TRIO Jaakko “Jaska” Lukkarinen founded his first own band, Jaska Lukkarinen Trio, in 2005. The trio has released two albums, Neutral Terrain (2011) and Trane Ear (2008). The band is known for their energetic live performances and impressive ensemble work. The idea of starting a trio without a harmonic instrument rose from the Dave Holland Trio album Triplicate. The same album also played an important role in Lukkarinen’s interest for jazz. Also the trio recordings done by Joe Henderson and Sonny Rollins have influenced the band’s music. Lukkarinen’s trio has diverse influences, the American, rhythm based, tradition meets the European concept of sound in their music. The freeness and compositional possibilities make the line-­‐up interesting, the saxophone trio creates a variety of opportunities for music and improvisations. Despite his leading role, Jaska emphasises the importance of the group as an ensemble: ”I’m sure that the audience can feel our chemistry on gigs. We’re good friends on and off stage and I believe this is an important factor in getting our message across to the listeners.” In addition to Lukkarinen, the band features high-­‐profile Finnish players, Jussi Kannaste on saxophone and Antti Lötjönen on bass. The trio has been actively touring in Finland but also, for example, in Brazil and Estonia. Neutral Terrain "The strongly Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson inspired music meanders like a discussion between three good-­‐natured and respectful friends, where despite the differing views they seek a common understanding at all times." Jukka Piiroinen, Pohjolan Sanomat "The play swings without pressure, and the album has a pleasant sound, which brings to mind the soft universal sound of 1950s and 1960s jazz albums." Mikko Peltola, Satakunnan Kansa Trane Ear “A witty and warm collection of original work.” All About Jazz “Rhythm is emphasized, but it leaves all the musicians enough time and space to make their own solutions.” ***, Soundi “This is a jazz trio at its best” *****, Keskisuomalainen Bios Jaakko “Jaska” Lukkarinen (b. 1982) is one of the most sought-­‐after drummers in Finland. In addition to his own trio, Jaska plays in a variety of bands, including Dalindèo, Honey B and the T-­‐Bones, Värttinä, Jukka Eskola Quintet, the Susanna Hietala band and UMO. During his 10-­‐year career, he has been awarded the Sony Jazz prize in 2008 and the 2009 artist of the year in Pori Jazz . Jaska established his own record label Jaskaa in 2011. Saxophonist Jussi Kannaste (b. 1976) is known from bands like Kannaste-­‐
Ojajärvi Quintet and Kannaste-­‐Olding 4-­‐band. In addition, Jussi performs with, for example. UMO Jazz Orchestra. In addition to playing, he is head of department and saxophone lecturer at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Kannaste has been awarded the the Finnish Saxophone Society Josef Kaartinen-­‐prize in 2001 and the Sony Jazz Award in 2005. Antti Lötjönen (b. 1980) has established his position as one of the most sought-­‐
after bass players in Finland. He plays in Ilmiliekki Quartet, in one of the most successful Finnish jazz bands of all time The Five Corners Quintet, in Timo Lassy Band, in Sun Trio and in Verneri Pohjola’s new quartet. Links www.myspace.com/jaskalukkarinentrio www.facebook.com/JaskaLukkarinenTrio www. jaskalukkarinen.com