R&A Jazz: Juho Valjakka Trio x Everybody Digs Bill Evans

The concert will be preceded by a screening of Everybody Digs Bill Evans. On this page, you can purchase a combined ticket for the film and concert, or a ticket for the concert only. Tickets for the film screening alone are not available, but you can buy tickets to the film’s other screenings on the film page. The concert will take place in the Korjaamo lobby immediately after the film.

Known for his creative and insightful piano playing, Juho Valjakka is one of the most sought-after young Finnish jazz pianists. Throughout his career, Valjakka has performed with many top-tier ensembles (including Lassy–Eskola Nordic Stew, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Riikka Keränen, and Tuomas Paukku Scription) and has given concerts not only at major domestic festivals but also at prestigious jazz clubs across Europe. In 2018, together with double bassist Oskari Siirtola and drummer Anssi Tirkkonen, they formed the Juho Valjakka Trio, which focuses primarily on performing the pianist’s own compositions. The trio has garnered praise for its stylish, polished expression and rich palette of tones. The group’s first album, “Liminal Spaces” (2022), which reflects Valjakka’s experiences as a young artist, was recognized with a Jazz Emma nomination.

On their new album, “Lines in Patterns,” the trio effortlessly immerses itself, through their effortless ensemble playing, in the world of Valjakka’s harmonically rich compositions. On the album they also interpret two pieces by pianist Bill Evans, whose music has been an important influence on Valjakka. The album as a whole reflects experiences of both the linearity of life and recurring cycles, which are expressed in the band’s music through freely flowing improvisation and intriguingly structured forms.

Musicians: Juho Valjakka (piano), Oskari Siirtola (double bass), Anssi Tirkkonen (drums)