Jukka Perko

Saxophonist Jukka Perko’s interpretations of Finnish hymns have touched audiences for a whole decade. Albums Kaanaanmaa (2002) and Maan Korvessa (2008) have become landmarks. After hundreds of small ensemble church concerts of matchless beauty, it is time to seek new horizons with a fresh group of players. The jazz-rooted Perko and Teemu Viinikainen find themselves side by side with guitarist Jarmo Saari, often found boldly sailing way outside the musical mainstream.

Avara face the fundamental questions presented in hymns with a soulful simplicity. At times their search for truth and beauty leads into places one can only find by getting lost. Audacity and humility, respect for tradition and search for new ideas, austerity and overflow, acoustic and electric – trio throw themselves into the stream of these opposite energies only to emerge with a fresh view on the familiar.