UMO Helsinki Ensemble interprets classics from the birthplace of jazz music, New Orleans. In the 19th century, the Louisianan port city was quite a melting pot of cultures, where the heritage of European classical music, African and Caribbean rhythms, and the American mainstream music of that time began to merge together. The result was a new kind of musical trend, which effects extend to today’s popular music. Along with ragtime, blues, spirituals and marches, a style called “jass music” was born, which eventually developed into the genre we know today as jazz.
This concert features early 20th century classics from New Orleans jazz pioneers such as King Oliver’s Snake Rag, Jelly Roll Morton’s Black Bottom Stomp and Louis Armstrong’s Potato Head Blues.
The UMO Helsinki Ensemble is a smaller musical group assembled from the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, whose musicians have a long career both in the ranks of the UMO and in numerous individual projects. The program for the concert was planned by trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski, who also leads the ensemble.
Line-up:
Kasperi Sarikoski, trombone & lead
Timo Paasonen, trumpet & cornet
Mikko Mäkinen, clarinet
Kirmo Lintinen, piano
Héctor Lepe, banjo
Kenneth Ojutkangas, sousaphone
Markus Ketola, drums
Photo: Olli Nurmi