Album Notes

As gripping in his expression as he is fluent in his phrasing, Teemu Viinikainen is the epitome of the multi-faceted modern-day jazz guitarist. His rise to the elite of Finland's finest guitar players seems to have been quick, even though he has studied his instrument at various institutes ever since childhood. At the moment he also teaches guitar playing at his alma mater, the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department.

Viinikainen has appeared on the stage with trumpeters Randy Brecker and Tim Hagans, saxman Dave Liebman, pianist Jim Beard and fellow guitarist Wayne Krantz. He collaborates frequently with local bandleaders like saxophonists Eero Koivistoinen and Joonatan Rautio and drummer/pianist Jukkis Uotila. He's also co-leader in organ trio called The Bronson other members being Mikko Heleva on organ and Teppo Makynen on drums

Apart from being a member of the Blue Note Finland -recording team the U-Street All Stars, the guitarist's discography includes such recent Finnish jazz landmarks as the Jazz-Emma -winning Kaira by drummer André Sumelius's band Lift (2002), the critically lauded New Moods - New Sounds by saxophonist Antti Sarpila and vibraphone player Severi Pyysalo (2001), and the poetic trio album Kuunnelmia (2004) executed with vibraphonist Severi Pyysalo and saxophonist Jukka Perko.

Teemu's exciting new release is called Tales of Robert Dickson and it features Tim Hagans on trumpet, Timo Hirvonen on bass and Jussi Lehtonen on drums. This recording was released on KSJAZZ label and it is his first as a leader.

2005 Petri Silas, Fimic


Groups:

U-Street All Stars, Perko-Pyysalo-Viinikainen, Jukka Perkon Viisikko, The Bronson, Sarpila/Pyysalo, Eero Koivistoinen, Jukkis Uotilan, Andre Sumelius Lift, Mikko Hassinen Muuntaja, Joonatan Rautio Presence, Lasse Lindgren Sunburst, Jussi Lehtonen Quartet, UMO

Awards:

Sony Jazz Award (2004)
Kritiikin Kannus (U-Street) (2004)
Jazz-Emma (Lift) (2003)
Hankasalmi Culture Award (2003)
Pori Jazz Young Artist (U-Street) (2002)
Guitarist Of The Year (Jazzrytmit) (2002 - 2004)
DIG-Prize (2001)
Getzo Jazz Group Contest (U-Street,1.place) (2001)

Performances:

Randy Brecker, Jim Beard, Dave Liebman, Tim Hagans, Wayne Krantz and concerts in USA, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Norway