Description
The 2024 release Mirror Mirror marked Olli Ahvenlahti's return to a more electric jazz-funk sound after the fully acoustic album Thinking, Whistling (We Jazz Records, 2017) with his previous ensemble. Ahvenlahti's group performed the 2024 album on earlier concerts under the name The Poet II, so the connection to the classic 1976 album The Poet is evident. The album, however, was not created with a direct "sequel" in mind, so the musical direction in the studio was also open to entirely new paths. On the album and in the concerts, Ahvenlahti's band includes trumpeter Jukka Eskola, saxophonist Joonatan Rautio, bassist Ville Herrala and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen – each representing the top Finnish group to realize the composer’s vision. Ahvenlahti himself handles the keyboards, listed on the album credits as "Fender Rhodes Seventy Three Electric Piano and Oberheim Synthesizer". The album cover features visual artist Eeva‑Riitta Eerola’s work I looked at her and she looked back IV (2019).
Mirror Mirror contains eight compositions written by Ahvenlahti, moving from the powerful jazz‑funk of the lead single Paint It Blue to the concluding track Bedtime Snack’s serene rhythmic ballad section. The maestro also gives space to his excellent band, and the overall sound of the record is crisp and ear‑pleasing, yet suitably gritty and surprising. His long career brings a sense of unhurriedness and honesty to the music.
"I wanted to make another strong record," Ahvenlahti says. "The goal is always the same, but with age the statement also gains a more concrete resonance. Both in composing and playing, the 'now or never' feeling that has built up over the years comes into play."
Duration 1 h 30 min, no intermission
Doors open at 17:30
Age limit S/K18, limited serving area in the hall
Tickets €29.90 + booking fee (starting €1.50 + 0.65 % of the order), lippu.fi