Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet,
Helmi Antila Quartet

Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet
– The Poet Vol.2

The closing concert of April Jazz celebrates the release of Olli Ahvenlahti's new album The Poet Vol.2!

The Poet Vol.2, made with top musicians was born in the spirit of The Poet (1976) vinyl, which belongs to the history of Finnish fusion jazz. Especially the vinyl’s last track "Grandma's Rocking Chair" has become a staple of it's genre. The Poet Vol.2 contains completely new compositions by Olli Ahvenlahti, tailored for this quintet.

Olli Ahvenlahti has influenced the Finnish music scene since the 1970s, as a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, jazz musician and as a popular TV performer. Ahvenlahti's versatile composition production includes, in addition to his own solo records, plenty of music for films, theater and TV series. His works have been interpreted by several prominent Finnish artists, among others, Vesa-Matti Loiri, Fredi, Pepe Willberg and Johanna Iivanainen.

Olli Ahvenlahti, Fender Rhodes
Joonatan Rautio, tenor saxophon
Jukka Eskola, trumpet, fluegelhorn
Ville Herrala, bass
Jaska Lukkarinen, drums

7:30pm doors
8pm Helmi Antila Quartet
approx. 9pm intermission
approx. 9:30pm Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet

Tickets €36/31 + order fees (from €1.50), Lippu.fi
Duration approx. 2h 45min with intermission

Louhi Hall, Espoo Cultural Centre
Kulttuuriaukio 2, 02100 Espoo (Google Maps / HSL Journey Planner)

Helmi Antila Quartet

The Helmi Antila Quartet, which has charmed its audience at live concerts, is preparing to release its debut album this year.

Helmi Antila Quartet consists of four young musicians who perform atmospheric and soulful music sung in Finnish.

The group’s repertoire consists of songs written by Helmi Antila. The compositions cover familiar themes such as nature, love, relationships and challenges considering youth. Strong and honest lyrics are combined to a rich harmony. Great compositions and wonderful musicianship are in store for the grand finale of the 38th edition of April Jazz!

Helmi Antila, vocals, piano
Mikko Antila, vibraphone, percussion
Tuomo Purhonen, bass
Severi Sorjonen, drums