Antti Lötjönen Quintet East

Perhaps Finland’s most sought-after jazz musician Antti Lötjönen brings his band to Åland Sea Jazz! Lötjönen has influenced more than a hundred jazz recordings. His solo debut garnered much praise around the world, and his quintet’s second album, Circus/Citadel, released this year, has achieved the same. 

At Åland Sea Jazz, we get to enjoy the best pieces of the new album, performed by a powerful orchestra. The front row bursts with soloist power with Mikko Innanen, Jussi Kannaste and Tomi Nikku. The drums feature the creative and personable Joonas Riippa. Playing mainly Lötjönen’s compositions, the quintet sails on free, but rhythmic waters. Pure musical enjoyment awaits!

Over the years, Antti Lötjönen’s work has been heard in Finland’s most prominent jazz ensembles, such as Ilmiliekki Quartet, The Five Corners Quintet, Aki Rissanen Trio, Jukka Eskola Quintet, Jukka Perko Tritone, Ricky-Tick Big Band, Timo Lassy Band, Verneri Pohjola Quartet and Mikko Innanen Autonomus. He gained significant international attention when he toured Europe in the ranks of the five-time Grammy winner, drummer legend Jeff “Tain” Watts‘ trio.

Tickets: tiketti.fi / tickster.com

Said about the new album:

Teeming with freshness, creativity and wit, Lötjönen and his Helsinki quintet offer music that is more circus than citadel on one of the most captivating and original releases of 2023. – All About Jazz  / John Chacona

The excellent band – saxophonists Mikko Innanen and Jussi Kannaste, trumpeter Verneri Pohjola, and drummer Joonas Riippa – have an easy rapport, bringing a sonic heft and raucous energy to the leader’s indelible tunes. – The Quietus / Peter Margasak

This is an all-star band featuring some of the biggest names around at the moment, and what they’re putting out is genuinely exciting. – Stereogum / Phil Freeman