On the Luotsi tour, Finnish jazz originals take the stage

Luotsi – an ensemble made up of top music professionals and students training to become music professionals – will perform on the Finnish Jazz Federation’s pilot tour in Savonlinna, Turku, Seinäjoki and Espoo. The band’s repertoire includes Finnish jazz originals, and each concert evening concludes with communal jam sessions. The tour is made possible by the Niilo Helander Foundation.

Luotsi is a brand-new ensemble that will open the evening’s jam session in honor of the Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year with a fascinating selection of Finnish jazz originals as well as the group members’ own compositions. The audience can look forward to both familiar and rarely heard gems presented in contemporary interpretations – with an eye not only on the past but strongly on the future. After the opening set, the stage will be open to jammers, with the compass turning toward the heritage of American jazz.

Luotsi consists of both seasoned jazz musicians and emerging names. Alto saxophonist and flutist Oona Mattsson has performed with several well-known Finnish jazz artists, in both big bands and smaller ensembles. Her playing can be heard on the upcoming 2025 releases of the groups Kanvas and Siina Suutarinen. Pianist Riitta Paakki is a highly respected jazz musician, composer and bandleader who received the Finnish Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award in 2019. She has released seven albums with her own groups. Lauri Ikävalko is a double bassist originally from Savonlinna and now based in Helsinki, whose playing is grounded in improvisation and interaction. He is particularly inspired by combining the rhythms of world music with jazz. Markus Ketola, in turn, is the longtime drummer and rhythm section leader of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. His diverse achievements as a composer and instrumentalist have been recognized with the Yrjö Award in 2012 and a Jazz Emma Award in 1998.

The concert is part of the Jamiluokka project by the Finnish Jazz Federation, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Music, the Sibelius Academy’s Jazz Music Department and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, supported by the Niilo Helander Foundation. The project forms an ensemble and house band consisting of top jazz professionals and students training to become music professionals, for whom the Jazz Federation produces a nationwide concert tour. The project aims to develop students’ professional and performance skills and to expand the networks that are vital for their careers. This model of multidisciplinary collaboration supports the career development of future leading talents while also promoting regional access to jazz music.

Luotsi

Oona Mattsson – alto saxophone and flute
Riitta Paakki – piano
Lauri Ikävalko – double bass
Markus Ketola – drums

Concert venues and dates

Thu 5.3. at 19.00 Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz
Fri 6.3. at 23.00 Turku, Bar Ö / Turku Jazz Festival
Sat 7.3. at 23.00 Turku, Bar Ö / Turku Jazz Festival
Thu 12.3. at 18.00 Seinäjoki, Kalevan Navetta / Jazzsoikoon!*
Fri 13.3. at 18.00 Espoo, Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden / April Jazz Club (opening act at 18.00)

*In co-operation with University of Arts’ campus in Seinäjoki

The year 2026 marks 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the Andania ship. The centenary celebration, Jazz in Finland 100, will highlight Finnish jazz and its artists at home and abroad, recognising jazz as an integral part of Finland’s cultural heritage. The Jazz in Finland 100 campaign is coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation.

Photo: Sakari Puhakka