JJ Whitefield dives deep into the golden era of library music, drawing inspiration from KPM, De Wolfe, Bruton Music, CAM and the composers who shaped the genre. Slow Moods presents 14 original instrumentals packed with atmospheric grooves, exotic touches and meticulously layered overdubs. East Asian and East African influences meet locked-in rhythms and sharp arrangements.
There is a particular kind of record that only happens when a visiting player drops into a local scene and everyone raises their game. Love Walked In is one of those. For a short run of dates in 2024 the New York pianist Michael Kanan joined the Leeds trio of Alex Fisher, Simon Henry and Elliot Roffe, and the group carried that chemistry into a small hillside studio above Keighley, in West Yorkshire, to commit it to tape. The result is a single, unrepeatable meeting of veteran New York swing and…
Over the past decade Helsinki has quietly become one of Europe's busiest cities for young jazz players, and few labels have done more to document that activity than Jazzaggression. Uusi Jazzi Klubi - the loose collective that bills itself as the city's underground jazz club - return with their second album, recorded across two days in the spring of 2024 at the label's own Pelto Studio. Nothing here was written in advance. Drummer Aleksi Tanhuala gathered the players, set the tape rolling, and le…
On Live At Sogn Student Campus 1968, Ditlef Eckhoff Quintet captures Oslo’s student underground at full boil: hard-bop heads splinter into early freebag squalls while Knut Riisnæs and Christian Reim drive the frontline with nervy, melodic fire, turning a long-lost campus tape into a vivid document of Nordic modern jazz in transition.
A previously unissued post-bop document from 1970, Jyväskylä Workshop Band 1970 assembles American saxophonist Charlie Mariano, Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen and Finnish luminaries Heikki Sarmanto, Eero Koivistoinen, Paroni Paakkunainen, Seppo Ranniko, Pekka Pöyry, Edward Vesala and Matti Koskiala. Professionally captured in concert, the album delivers a vibrant set of groovy, exploratory and subtly exotic tunes that helped assert Finland’s place on the international jazz map.
“Exceptional UK jazz” Gilles Peterson (BBC Worldwide)
“A wonderfully expressive group who have a superbly fresh sense of tone and timing” – Dusty Groove Chicago
The second album by this critically acclaimed jazz quintet from Leeds continues to mature in their newest offering “ENOS” File under UK Modal/Melodic jazz.
Two legendary souls, one timeless rhythm—Just Us celebrates the enduring bond between Heikki Sarmanto and Juhani Aaltonen. Born from spontaneous sessions and inspired compositions, these eleven tracks capture their unmatched musical chemistry. A testament to six decades of creative mastery.
On Live in Kallio, Markus Holkko Quartet turns a Helsinki neighborhood into a pressure chamber of color and rhythm, blending proggy contours, retro-fusion heat and modern Nordic lyricism into long-form live explorations that feel both heady and immediate, cerebral yet unafraid to let the groove bite.
With Bamboo Noodles, Organic Pulse Ensemble (the one-man project of Gustav Horneij) serves up four deep, groove-laden tracks built around bamboo flute improvisations, blending spiritual jazz, Eastern flavors, and infectious rhythms
A vibrant blend of Finnish jazz-rock, featuring intricate arrangements, modal harmonies, and memorable melodies. The result is an immersive, forward-thinking listening experience
Helsinki funk legends Kuja Orchestra is back with a new line-up and new set of tight grooves. Latin, soul, blues and disco-funk melt with african and oriental influences.
Eye of the Universe" is the latest offering from Finnish sax player and composer Markus Holkko. Grounded in his musical heritage, the album explores a range of influences, from straight to Latin and spiritual jazz, with subtle hints of west coast cool and psychedelia.
The Finnish/Italian improvisational collective makes a comeback after the acclaim of 'Gan-Ri-La.' This time, they grace Pelto Studio with their presence, offering a groovy free jazz encounter filled with unexpected twist
Small combo beat laden jazz experimentations, drawing influences across the rare groove spectre in this unique funky mashup.The group consists of Finnish players including Aleksi Heinola on drums, Temu Åkerblom on bass and Markus Holkko on reeds & flute. Second album in our New Library Series, recorded and produced at Jazzaggression’s own PELTO studio!”
The Aleksi Heinola Quartet presents a new take on vintage hard-bop with their latest record, featuring original compositions and reinterpretations of works by iconic jazz greats. Impeccable musicianship, groovy swing, and a distinct sense of style are on display, with Gábor Bolla on tenor sax, Jukkis Uotila on piano, and Daniel Franck on double bass. This quartet date is not to be missed!
Funky synthesized jazz with mood and feeling from the Estonian composer and keyboard veteran Tõnu Naissoo. Backed up by Finnish players including Aleksi Heinola on drums, Temu Åkerblom on bass and Markus Holkko on reeds & flute. First album in our New Library Series, recorded and produced at Jazzaggression’s own Pelto studio!
*250 copies limited edition* Mu Quintet are a Leeds-based instrumental jazz outfit drawing inspiration from movements within the musical avant-garde. With a sound characterised by rich compositions, explosive improvisation and intricate melodies, they aim to push at the boundaries of the small ensemble.
Joel Stedman - Bass Clarinet & FluteHugh Vincent - PianoSimon Henry - DrumsElliot Roffe - Double BassMatt Cliffe - Tenor Saxophone & Flute
*250 copies limited edition* A unique live concert experience from Club7 Norway 1973 – Organ trio w/ Christian Reim, Tom Karlsen and Swedish Rickard Rolf.
Listen to Misha Panfilov's latest release and witness the mastery of beat, mood, and melody as he teams up with jazzaggression. None can do it better than Misha Panfilov!
Enjoy Foat's rhythmic mastery, jazz-infused mood, and cosmic synths, accompanied by Finland's finest, including the legendary saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen.
"Ville Vannemaa Cassiopeia is an exciting quintet project led by reed player Ville Vannemaa, a key player in UMO Jazz Orchestra and known for his engagement in several other Finnish jazz constellations. With him on this date is vibraphonist Panu Savolainen, Kasperi Sarikoski on trombone, Heikko Remmel on bass and Jaska Lukkarinen on drums. Six sublime songs penned by Ville himself, plenty of detail and swinging from joy to melancholy in a melodic sense aimed for repeated listening. Future classi…
The definitive Jazz Mass! Never before heard second day takes, includes alternate version of Duke & Trane!
Second day take of the acclaimed 1978 New Hope Jazz Mass recording from Helsinki Finland, newly remastered and never before released, features different soloist and a performance believed to be better than the original release. Featuring Heikki Sarmanto, Seppo Paakkunainen, Pekka Pöyry, Esko Rosnell, Pekka Sarmanto, Maija Hapuoja, Gregg Smith Vocal Quartet and Long Island Symphonic Choral A…
Heaven and earth are in motion with the debut album from composer and saxophonist Gisle Røen Johansen (b. 1968) an active voice on the Norwegian jazz scene since the mid-nineties. Known for his expressive tone in groups like Element and Jazzmob, Kveldsragg is the first release under his own name. The album features top players from the nordic jazz currents including members from Bushman’s Revenge and Element; Even Hermansen on guitars, Rune Nergaard on Electric Bass and Ingebrigt Håker Flaten on…
Melodic folk trio jazz by legendary Norwegian pianist and composer Christian Reim, featuring two different sessions with bass/drums combination: Ingebrigt Håker Flaten , Håkon Mjåset Johansen & Harald Johnsen / Jarle Vespestad.
Tip! " Individually numbered to 350 copies. Silk pressed artwork on reused sleeves, comes with insert in sealed bag with hype sticker “Latest album from Oiro Pena, one of the few contemporary bands that are in the forefront of the current Spiritual Jazz wave. Instrumentalist Pentti Oironen at the controls of his musical universe playing a variety of instruments but with guests appearances throughout the 5 tracks offered. The album comes with a insert and digital download.
"Individually numbered to 250 copies. A3 artwork glued on reused sleeves, with dl code in sealed bag with hype sticker.“ First album from this Finnish jazz sextet collective, no limits is their slogan but categorize it as energetic free that branch out in modal/spiritual territory.Featuring two members from Oiro Pena.
All music by Uusijazziklubi collective: Drums: Aleksi Tannhuala, vibes: Ilkka Uksila, bass: Markus Kankkonen, keys: Joona Hulmi, alto Sax/flutes: Johannes Sarjasto, soprano Sax/flu…
This highly sought-after classic has now returned for a third re-run, showcasing the talents of young Estonian trumpeter Jaan Kuuman and his esteemed instrumental ensemble. Recorded in the early to mid-seventies this compilation features a masterful blend of tight jazz-funk rhythms,infused with a dramatic flair and irresistible hooks that will leave listeners yearning for more. Stock fly fast on this one.
Edition of 250 * Following up on the legendary Club7 album from 1971 by this same group, here is a Webster Lewis Quintet's live recording made in August that same year at Kongsberg jazz festival in Norway. This Quintet from Boston plays a strong sense of seventies American groove-laden jazz but with a raw soulful rhythm and blues approach that is completely unique! Captured on tape in Norway at the time the band was there with George Russel, a few months after the legendary Club7 recordings. Her…
Classic Cool/Bop session from 76, and regarded as one of the finest Norwegian jazz live recordings of the seventies featuring an impeccable performance by alto sax player Carl Neumann, playing mostly original songs by pianist Christian Reim, Bjørn Kjellemyr on Bass and Ole Jacob Hansen on drums. First time on vinyl format and with great sound quality, new pictures, new notes.
* Edition of 500 * An amazing loft tape find of a Norwegian Jazz concert suite taped at Molde Jazz Festival 1973, Christian Reim’s sextet Mona Lisa features Norway's top jazzmen at the time and it’s a rollercoaster post-bop showcase with influences from modal and spiritual jazz with folk undertones and pop psychedelia, one of a kind, never previously released and in great sound quality!
Tip! **350 copies, to be released on 30.05.2020** Second release from Finland’s finest underground jazz collective, four new tracks in the same spiritual-energetic playful bag we dig! Limited edition 10", comes numbered and with download code insert.
**250 copies, to be released on 30.05.2020** Unique duo live recording from 2016 with Finnish drummer Ilmari Heikinheimo and multi-instrumentalist Jimi Tenor, free-floating grooves in an organic / electric mash-up! Limited 250 copy LP with 6 tracks, comes numbered with download code and info on A4 insert."The existence of harmonic resonance will be proved when the minds of these amazing talents speak to each other thru aether."
Previously unreleased Spiritual Jazz from Norway recorded in Asker Church in the mid 1970s. Playful rhythmical jazz with Modal and Latin influences with band members from That's Why, Ruphus and En Tiempo.The Jan Simonsen Quintet was an active mid 1970's, Norwegian jazz group. Drawing up influences from Herbie Hancock to McCoy Tyner the group’s very rhythmical approach fell positive with the crowd and landed them regular gigs at the famous Club7 venue in Oslo, the group also performed at Molde Ja…
**250 copies** Three additional songs from the celebrated debut session, limited 10 inch! The talented drummer continues to explore the hard-bop sound of today with three more tracks; Bouncing at the S.U.P., Chasing the Spirit – two songs composed by the drummer and the quintet’s own hip rendition of Book’s Bossa by Walter Booker.“Heinola skilfully demonstrates the full range of his arsenal, skipping through his cherished hard bop style of jazz while interweaving subtle nods to Latin and Afro st…
Never before released 1974 recording of the all-female Spiritual jazz Californian outfit High Risk. A unique musical experience that is oozing the spiritual freedom of the early seventies in a creative mixture of jazz, folk and poetry – all fuelled with political lyrics.From an all-female band consisting of Virginia Rubino (of BeBe K’Roche fame) on keys, Cyndy ”Cynth” Mason Fitzpatrick (of flutemedicine fame) on saxes and flute, Bobi Jackson on bass and Sandy Ajida on percussion. The album featu…
**25 copies** Brand new sparkling hard-bop in the Quintet formula, from aspiring Finnish drummer talent Aleksi Heinola featuring a top cast of Finnish jazz-men: Mikael Jakobsson on keys (Five Corners Quintet), Mikko Gunu Karjalainen on trumpet and flugelhorn, Manuel Dunkel on tenor saxophone (UMO Jazz band) and Swedish Daniel Franck on double bass.
**250 copies** Here comes a special duo recording, featuring the crème de la crème of the younger generation of Finnish players – Max Zenger and Teemu Åkerblom. A unique live set that stands the test of time, hear Max and Teemu improvise their way over five original compositions, using alto saxophone, flute and double bass with bow. Rich in detail and a surprisingly fresh set of songs. Very seldom do you get superlatives about something from the players themselves, but swear I heard a bird say “…