The Valtteri Laurell Nonet band performs modern, intimate jazz music that draws from the cool jazz and third stream concepts of the early 1960s. Each of the top musicians in this all-star line-up also gets to play a soloist role, but the band’s spotlight is on the timeless and soulful expression of clarinetist Antti Sarpila. Sarpila is mainly known for his very traditional ensembles performing music from the swing era, and it’s great to see how his sound carries timelessly through jazz styles.
The theme of the composition is the short stories of the lesser-known British-Caribbean writer Jean Rhys and her only published novel “Wide Sargasso Sea”. The melancholic and life-flavored atmosphere of these writings gave Pöyhönen the perfect ground to compose atmospheric, wistful and yet at times bright jazz music.
The Helsinki-based We Jazz Records label released the band’s debut album “Tigers Are Better Looking” at the beginning of 2023, and it has been very well received both in Finland and internationally.
“Brilliant album!” – Jamie Cullum, BBC
HS – 5 stars – “Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen’s newest orchestra plays its five-star debut album with a sound that sparkles and shines”
Soundi – 4 stars – “Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen’s record breathes the charm of a lost world” Desibeli.net – 4 stars – “The colors of the sounds explode wonderfully as Antti Sarpila’s clarinet and other wind instruments lead the listener deeper and deeper into the wilds of music”
Photo: Miikka Pirinen
Valtteri Laurell Nonet
Sun 1.10. at 17.30 (doors 17), Art Factory – Factory Hall
Tickets €25/€20 in advance, €30 at the door S
EARLY BIRD TICKETS -€5 untill 15.6.