Sir Garrison and The Litany of The Peaks on the collaboration tour of Jazz Federation and Free Voices agency (Vapaat äänet)

The collaboration between Jazz Federation and Free Voices agency materializes into a spectacular tour for the 35th time. Audiences can expect a full dose of new jazz as the American-Finnish Sir Garrison and the French ensemble The Litany of The Peaks hit the road.

Since its inception, the jazz trio Sir Garrison has been searching for its own voice. “There is strength in number three,” explains the band’s bassist, Nathan Francis. “As we play, we support each other, generating a very personal and palpable conversation among the band members.” The trio’s power is evident in their debut album, Let’s Call This (2022), which was recorded on a remote island in Konnevesi. “We decided to record the album in a distant place surrounded by nature, so our sound would be liberated from the hustle and bustle of the city. We wanted to produce a completely acoustic and as human and nature-oriented sound as possible”, says drummer Okko Saastamoinen. The music of Sir Garrison is composed by the band members themselves, with saxophonist Sami Leponiemi contributing the most. “Sir Garrison combines all of our individual playing styles. Everyone respects each other’s ideas, and in this way, individuals complement each other, producing an intimate, honest, and captivating collective sound.”

Sir Garrison. Photographer: Tuomas Salo

The Litany of The Peaks (“La Litanie des Cimes”) is founded in 2019 by violinist Clément Janinet – is an acoustic trio featuring clarinetist Elodie Pasquier and cellist Bruno Ducret. Compositions akin to Janinet’s repetitive music are built on intertwined rhythmic textures, drawing inspiration from American minimalism as well as folk music. The pieces leave ample room for improvisation. The trio thrives in long arcs and harmonious contemplation, playfully toying with seemingly slow tempos. The Litany of the Peaks is one of the winners of the prestigious 2020 Jazz Migration tour program. Their debut album received rave reviews, and their second album, Woodlands, will be released on September 22nd by the Hungarian Budapest Music Center.

Sir Garrison (FIN/US)

Sami Leponiemi – saxophone
Nathan Francis – double bass
Okko Saastamoinen – drums

The Litany Of The Peaks / La Litanie des Cimes (FR)

Clément Janinet – violin, compositions
Elodie Pasquier – clarinet
Bruno Ducret – cello

Tour Concerts September 18th–26th

Sir Garrison (FIN/US) + The Litany Of The Peaks (FR)
Mon 18.9. at 7:00 PM Helsinki, Malmitalo / MalmiJazz
Tue 19.9. at 7:00 PM Loviisa, Marilyn / Free Okapi
Wed 20.9. at 7:00 PM Joensuu, Pakkahuone / Jazzkerho 76
Thu 21.9. at 7:00 PM Äänekoski, Painotalo
Fri 22.9. at 7:00 PM Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz ry

Sir Garrison (FIN/US)
Mon 11.9. at 7:00 PM Turku, Rica Bar / Monday Jazz Happening
Tue 26.9. at 7:00 PM Loimaa, Taidetalo

Tour co-production in Finland: Free Voices & Finnish Jazz Federation. Supported by: MES, AJC, Adami, French Institute, Centre National de la Musique, Spedidam

Jazz – heard and seen!

Finnish Jazz Federation’s essential form of operation is national touring. The annual touring activities enable approximately 100 concerts in 40 different locations all over Finland. The concerts mainly take place in their member organizations. Four of the tours are in-house productions, and five are produced in co-operation with external producers.

Cover photo: Stan Augris