Lars Danielsson, Verneri Pohjola, John Parricelli
Biography Lars Danielsson, Verneri Pohjola, John Parricelli
Lars Danielsson
Bassist, cellist, composer and arranger Lars Danielsson has become one of the most important voices in European jazz in recent years: alongside international stars such as Michael Brecker and Randy Brecker, John Scofield or Charles Lloyd, with his own quartet, as producer of Caecilie Norby, Viktoria Tolstoy or the Danish Radio Orchestra, but especially with his five ACT CDs under his own name. They also show the unmistakable signature Danielsson has found, as well as the astonishing openness and breadth of his work. He is not only one of the most lyrical and warmest bassists, as a composer he is a master of atmosphere, subtle tension and the perfect balance between simple melodies and the highest possible degree of improvisation.
Verneri Pohjola
a Finnish trumpeter and composer, is one of the most celebrated and acclaimed Jazz artists in Europe. He possesses a commanding and unique voice that showcases both warmth and vibrancy in his playing. His writing is bold and creative, with a unique ability to write immersive and powerful melodies that highlight his individuality and progressive style.
With a string of successful releases and critical acclaim, his talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, Jazzwise Magazine called his album, 'Bullhorn,' "one of the finest albums of recent times" and hailed him as a "fully-fledged star", shedding his 'star-in-the-making' mantle. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Nordic Council Music Prize nomination in 2021, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the Nordic music scene.
In 2017, Verneri was awarded Finland's highest recognition for a jazz musician, the Yrjö Award, for his exceptional musicianship and contribution to the jazz genre. This award is a testament to Verneri's dedication to his craft and his passion for creating innovative and meaningful music.
Verneri's Bullhorn record was a critical and commercial success, earning him the Emma Award for the best jazz album of the year in 2015. This album showcases Verneri's virtuosity as a trumpeter and his ability to seamlessly blend various genres and musical influences.
Born into a musical dynasty, Verneri was destined for a career in music. His grandfather and father's cousin were both active in music, while his father, Pekka Pohjola, achieved international fame in the 1970s. Verneri first came to prominence as leader of Ilmiliekki Quartet, a band that won numerous accolades, including the prestigious Teosto Award.
Verneri's distinctive tone is deeply affecting and marked by purity and lyricism. His melodic improvisation is matched by personal compositions that avoid any clichéd notions of Nordic jazz. He is a progressive artist with a strong grasp of popular culture and one of the most exciting and original artists of his generation.
In 2020, Verneri released 'The Dead Don't Dream,' an album that showcases his individualism, creativity, and coherence. This album is a true work of art, balancing freedom and composition, expression and voice. It's a defining work for Verneri, for Finnish culture, and a statement of intent for an artist immersed in the world of European Jazz.
In 2022, Verneri Pohjola formed a new quartet with renowned musicians Kit Downes on piano, Jasper Høiby on double bass, and Olavi Louhivuori on drums. The quartet's debut album ‘MONKEY MIND’, will be released on Edition Records in November 2023, serving as a testament to Verneri's versatility as a musician and his continued growth as a jazz star.
In addition to his own album, Verneri is also working on an exciting project with renowned composer Kaija Saariaho. She is composing a trumpet concerto specifically for Verneri, which is set to premiere in 2023. This collaboration highlights Verneri's exceptional talent and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz music.
John Parricelli
began his career as a guitarist in 1982 and was one of the founding members of the British big band Loose Tubes, with whom he recorded three albums. He has worked with Annie Whitehead, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Lee Konitz, Paul Motian, Tim Whitehead, Chris Laurence, Eddie Parker, Peter Erskine, Vince Mendoza, Mark Lockheart, Julian Argüelles, Iain Ballamy's Acme, Mark Lockheart Quartet, Andy Sheppard, Gerard Presencer, Colin Towns, Martin Speake Quintet and Jazz singer Stacey Kent among others.
In 2011 he appeared on stage with Peter Erskine and John Paul Jones at the Royal Opera House, London in the new opera Anna Nicole.
