Agatha, the first instrumental recording composed by Kerkko Koskinen in 2007, received a wonderful sequel Agatha 2 last fall. Emma and Teosto award-winning jazz musician, saxophonist Linda Fredriksson shines as the soloist of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. With the new album, Agatha also returns to Huvila, where in the summer of 2007 the first part of the pair of albums was celebrated in a sold-out concert.

The bold tone of Kerkko Koskinen, who was originally known as the musical engine of Ultra Bra, meets the visionary and sensitive interpretation of Fredriksson, who became an international jazz star with her album Juniper, and the great sound of Finland’s leading big band UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. The fact that the sequel, like the first Agatha album, is the first new release in more than ten years by Ricky-Tick Records, which had a central influence on the new rise of domestic jazz in the 21st century, brings its own spice. Helsingin Sanomat’s critic Harri Uusitorppa gave the album a full five stars in his review.

In the concert, the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra is conducted by Mikko Hassinen.

Photo: Tero Ahonen