Reignition

In 2017, trombonist and composer Kasperi Sarikoski (b. 1988) moved to New York because he had received an opportunity to complement his master’s studies at the Sibelius Academy with studies at the prestigious Juilliard School and its jazz program, led by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Sarikoski’s two intensive study years included of course playing concerts outside of the course work, too. These performances would pave the way for his second ensemble and second own album, titled 3+1 (2020) and released last October by Outside Music.

Like many other releases, this album was shadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, and the ensemble’s touring became at any rate impossible. Sarikoski had already returned to Finland and received a permanent position at the Umo Jazz Orchestra in Helsinki, as the leader of the trombone section. Now, he is striving to reignite the music he composed in New York, just as the title of this multinational ensemble gives clue.

However, this time played by five musicians, the sound of Reignition differs from the album 3+1 which rotated around the trio formed by Sarikoski, Chilean bassist Simón Willson, and Italian drummer Francesco Ciniglio. Now, American pianist Christian Li, who played on one composition, and Umo saxophonist Jouni Järvelä will complement the trio into a quintet. Thus, instead of just one soloist there are now altogether three soloists.

“As a trombonist, it can be quite a responsibility and sometimes bit of a tough spot to be the only soloist in an ensemble”, says Karikoski. “Perhaps I am thinking of the listener here, as well; it might be a bit challenging to listen to a whole hour of an acoustic trio led by a trombonist. And it’s equally challenging to keep one’s own playing interesting for the entire hour”.