FMQ - Olavi Louhivuori Articles

Two and one does make sense

Two and one does make sense

Two and one does make sense

"The vocabulary of ambient electronica woven into the lexicon of acoustic jazz."

Kevin Le Gendre

April 14, 2022

Stoking a quiet fire

Stoking a quiet fire

Stoking a quiet fire

"The music can smoulder for lengthy passages but the flame eventually burns bright."

Kevin Le Gendre

April 14, 2022

A saxophonist’s intimate solo debut

A saxophonist’s intimate solo debut

A saxophonist’s intimate solo debut

"The album reveals new dimensions of Fredriksson’s personality and artistry. Beyond their prowess on saxophone, there is a wider palette of expression on guitar and keyboards as well as bass clarinet, with various horns multi-tracked for solo duets."

Wif Stenger

October 28, 2021

Elifantree’s global rhythm adventure

Elifantree’s global rhythm adventure

Elifantree’s global rhythm adventure

Genre-bending trio Elifantree keeps challenging itself – this time creating music with eight drummers in as many countries.

Wif Stenger

January 8, 2021

From a whisper to a scream

From a whisper to a scream

From a whisper to a scream

"Drummer Olavi Louhivuori’s new band Superposition is also capable of multiple simultaneous states, from sensitive balladry to free-jazz intensity."

Wif Stenger

April 16, 2020

Breathtaking double-team improv

Breathtaking double-team improv

Breathtaking double-team improv

“In Tölöläb, Elifantree have met their match, leading to their most ambitious, mature and cohesive album so far.”

Wif Stenger

November 7, 2019

Change is the only constant

Change is the only constant

Change is the only constant

"Oddarrang remain champions of dark and haunting instrumental music. Don’t miss them."

Petri Silas

November 7, 2019

Grandiose guitar, organic drums

Grandiose guitar, organic drums

Grandiose guitar, organic drums

"Mainly using a guitar and an array of effects, Jarmo Saari masterfully creates atmospheres and meticulous architecture – with a taste for bombastic melodrama."

Wif Stenger

March 7, 2019

The power of words – and music

The power of words – and music

The power of words – and music

"While the melodies appear timeless and uncomplicated, the performances are pure Ilmiliekki – that is, contemporary jazz with a Nordic twist."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 7, 2019

A well-blended Palette

A well-blended Palette

A well-blended Palette

"The sound palette of the trio is definitely interesting, and even exciting, despite all ear candy that has reached one’s auditory organs for decades."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

October 3, 2018

Twenty years on

Twenty years on

Twenty years on

"Rather than thinking through choruses, the Joona Toivanen Trio approaches their works through variations and development, with intense focus on dynamics, colors, and sound quality."

Jan-Erik Holmberg

March 29, 2018

Elifantree: New shoots and leaves

Elifantree: New shoots and leaves

Elifantree: New shoots and leaves

Led by the startling voice of Anni Elif Egecioglu, Elifantree paints from an idiosyncratic palette, spattered with jazz and electronics. This Helsinki trio celebrates its 10th anniversary with new collaborations and a forthcoming album.

Wif Stenger

October 19, 2017

Heading North

Heading North

Heading North

Two jazz professionals, journalist Andreas Müller and label manager Dave Stapleton, had a brief chat about Finnish jazz prior to Jazzahead! 2017, the international jazz expo and showcase festival taking place from 27 until 30 April in Bremen, Germany.

Matti Nives

April 25, 2017

Beyond genre

Beyond genre

Beyond genre

Olavi Louhivuori splashed on to the scene in 2002 as drummer of Ilmiliekki Quartet, which scooped up Finnish and Nordic jazz awards. Since then, this restless multi-instrumentalist has played with the genre-shattering Oddarrang and many other groups in Europe and the US – while at the same time composing for orchestras and electronic solo albums.

Wif Stenger

October 7, 2016

Curiosity cannot be outsourced

Curiosity cannot be outsourced

Curiosity cannot be outsourced

Progress is all about trying out new things, as every forward-thinking artist intrinsically knows. Nevertheless, a case could be made that it is not enough if only the vanguard embraces the unknown. Perhaps all could take a page out of Pepa Päivinen, Janne Tuomi and other open-minded musicians’ book.

Petri Silas

June 4, 2016

Sounds that invade your dreams

Sounds that invade your dreams

Sounds that invade your dreams

For those interested in labelling, Oddarrang could easily be lumped in with so-called post-jazz bands if only they relied solely on meandering and moody soundscapes. Oddarang haunts the listener for a long time.

Petri Silas

May 10, 2016

Powerful images

Powerful images

Powerful images

"Released by Dave Stapleton’s Edition Records, In Cinema is by far Oddarrang’s strongest album. It is both imaginative and accessible and, despite at times being just a bit serious, a joy to listen to."

January 8, 1985

World-class jazz for new audiences

World-class jazz for new audiences

World-class jazz for new audiences

...Staging six days of jazz at the beginning of the Christmas season was a risky undertaking, but We Jazz’s astute programming decisions made it work...

Pierre Ringwald

January 8, 1985