JOONAS HAAVISTO trio

Joonas Haavisto Trio celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The milestone concerts will feature a comprehensive overview of the band’s output: compositions from Joonas Haavisto’s five albums, from his debut album Blue Waters to the present day.

The trio is made up of pianist Joonas Haavisto, bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Joonas Riippa. The band has established itself at the forefront of Finnish jazz in the 21st century, with a distinctive sound based on strong ensemble playing and subtle interaction.

The trio’s repertoire is mainly built on Haavisto’s compositions, balancing beautiful melodies, long dynamic arcs and freer sections. Influences come from jazz tradition, classical music and hip-hop. The traditional jazz trio form is combined with an original approach, unpretentious expression and the freshness of Scandinavian jazz.

The band has performed at internationally renowned venues such as the Blue Note Jazz Clubin New York, DC Jazz Festival, Jazzahead, Rochester International Jazz Festivaland Pori Jazze. The trio has released four albums and has gained particular popularity in Japan, where it has toured and performed at the legendary Tokyo Jazz Festival. The trio has also performed as soloists with some of the country’s top orchestras, including the Lapland Chamber Orchestraand the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra.

Pianist and composer Joonas Haavisto is one of the most interesting Nordic jazz pianists. He has performed at major festivals and clubs around the world, and in 2017 he was awarded the prestigious Steinway Artist title as the first Finnish jazz pianist.

“Joonas Haavisto is one of the most talented pianists of his generation.” – Der Spiegel
“World class trio from Europe.” – Jazz Perspective
“A Supreme Nordic piano trio album.” – Jazz Critiques Magazine
“Joonas Haavisto is a stunning pianist. Every tune sounds excellent!” – Jazz Japan