Aili Ikonen

"Aili Ikonen is a breath of fresh air in the firmament of Finnish contemporary vocal artists and vocal jazz."

The pandemic year brought a record harvest of jazz by women. While Finland prides itself on equality, there’s still a long way to go on the jazz scene, though.

Violinist Maria Puusaari writes to the FMQ readers about music that is significant for her, and about the role of music in her life during important turning points and times of crisis.

"Berghäll’s six compositions have a multifaceted global flavor. Straight forward jazz rhythms and African beats meet Nordic and even oriental ideas."

"Outi Tarkiainen’s first arrangement for UMO Jazz Orchestra was heard 10 years ago, when she was 18. The material on this album was created between 2005 and 2011. The centrepiece is the 17-minute Into the Woodland Silence."