Great Line-up of Finnish Music in November

  • Image: Verneri Pohjola

    London Jazz Festival presented a special programme of Finnish Jazz 9–18 November. Finnish artists such as Jerry Lindqvist, Sin Cos Tan and Nightwish also visited town this month.

    London Jazz Festival took over the town throughout November in various venues. This year the festival featured an impressive line-up of Finnish music. 'The Finnish Jazz at London Jazz Festival' was a part of a Music Finland's UK initiative. Music Finland's objectives include increasing the export volume and promoting the visibility of Finnish music in the UK.

    "Our investment into Finnish Music have become visible during past few months, when London has been full of Finnish music. Great examples of this are the nine Finnish musicians that performed at the London Jazz Festival and nearly sold-out gigs by artists such as Pepe Deluxe, Husky Rescue and K-X-P", says Riku Salomaa, Music Finland´s project manager.

    Finnish acts at the Jazz Festival included Verneri Pohjola Quartet that just released its latest album Ancient History, Drummer Olavi Louhivuori's sextet Oddarrang, pianist Iiro Rantala, Juhani Aaltonen Quartet and Iro Haarla, who has been involved in the jazz scene since the 1970's. "The Finnish day on the Barbican" featured four Finnish acts: Rakka, Kuára, Anna-Mari Kähärän Orkesteri and Black Motor all played jazz with an energetic approach.

    November also brought various other Finnish acts to London. The Finnish metal legend Nightwish, currently touring in UK, performed in London on 5 November. Jerry Lindqvist & The Grace debuted in Britain by playing four shows in London. Husky Rescue & Pepe Deluxe, K-X-P, French Films & Big Wave Riders and Sin Cos Tan also played in London during this month.

    Please see the Music Finland website for additional information:
    www.musicfinland.fi