Our popular Summer Jazz Series returns to Scandinavia House! This summer we’re presenting performances from some of Scandinavia’s most talented young jazz musicians, composers, and singers from June 20 through July 11. Join us for a reception on the Volvo Hall terrace starting at 7 PM, followed by the concert at 7:30 PM.
Finnish group Kari Ikonen Trio joins us for a performance of compositions that have been described as “fresh, subtle, and tickled by gentle surprises” (Downbeat) and “Full of moments of beauty and offbeat explorations” (Something Else Reviews). Pianist, moogist and composer Kari Ikonen is joined with bassist Olli Rantala and drummer Markku Ounaskari for this event, which will present some of their latest original compositions.
Kari Ikonen Trio is praised for their original, lively style. Their three albums, Bright (2013), Beauteous Tales and Offbeat Stories (2015) and Wind, Frost & Radiation (2018) on German label Ozella have gained international success, leading to performances at clubs and festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia and the U.S.
“A wholly original take on the improvising piano trio.” –Dave Foxall, Jazz Journal
“Gorgeously colored by chiming piano percussion, cello-esque bowed bass and shimmering cymbal work, the Kari Ikonen Trio exemplify a distinctly Scandinavian collective work ethic… Ikonen, a former winner of Finland’s Jazz Musician of the Year award, is a serious artist making work with a color and conviction worthy of any of today’s leading European three-pieces.”–All About Jazz
About the Musicians
Pianist-moogist-composer Kari Ikonen is currently active with the Kari Ikonen Trio as well as with several other bands like Orchestra Nazionale della Luna, Quartet Ajaton and Trio Toffa, along with different projects with Louis Sclavis, Bob Moses, Tom Arthurs, Ingrid Jensen, Jeff Denson, Vincent Courtois and Juhani Aaltonen. Ikonen has won several international awards for his compositions, and in 2013 he received the Yrjö Award as the Finnish Jazz Musician of the Year.
Bassist Olli Rantala studied at Gothenburg University with the master Anders Jormin. Today he is an essential part of the Swedish jazz and world music scene. He has played in KIT since 2016.
ECM recording artist Markku Ounaskari is known for his work with Jarmo Savolainen and Pekka Pohjola. Today he plays regularly with artists such as Kristjan Randalu, Arve Henriksen, Trygve Seim and Raoul Björkenheim. Markku also received the Yrjö award in 2014.
Kari Ikonen Trio — Wind, Frost & Radiation:
Summer Jazz Series
This summer we’re presenting performances from some of Scandinavia’s most talented young jazz musicians, composers, and singers from June 20 through July 11. All concerts begin at 7:30 PM, following a 7 PM reception on our Volvo Hall terrace.
June 20: Sigmar Matthíasson’s ÁRÓRA
June 24: Mikkel Ploug Trio
June 25: Kari Ikonen Trio
June 27: Thomas Backman
July 11: Jostein Gulbrandsen Trio
June 25, 2019
June 25, 2019
Image courtesy of Kari Ikonen Trio