sakari kukko

Sakari Kukko July 8, 1953 reeds, keys, composerA true musical pathfinder, Sakari Kukko was mixing jazz, Finnish folklore and global ethnic influences long before anyone had even thought of the term “world music”. Since his first appearance on the Finnish music scene in the early 70's the reedsman has continued to follow his instincts on a trail he has created all by himself. In 1974 Sakari founded the group Piirpauke, which was to become one of the most internationally respected Finnish bands — and also one of the first ever world music ensembles.Already in its infancy Piirpauke made quite a name for itself also abroad, and Kukko led his troops on concert tours all over the globe appearing in Europe, the Far East, Africa and the American continent. In 1976 these efforts were rewarded with the Georgie Award.Kukko's career didn't, however, start with Piirpauke. He has paid his dues as a side musician on many albums and also played big band music with the Ogeli Big Band and the Tapiola Big Band.Piirpauke formedIn 1974 as Kukko was asked to form yet another group for yet another jam session, he, bass player Antti Hytti, guitar player Hasse Walli and drummer Jukka Wasama came up with the initial idea for Piirpauke. Since those days the group has served as a home for almost thirty different musicians; from front-row local jazz and rock musicians to international masters of different ethnic styles and instruments. Piirpauke has already released twenty albums.Apart from mixing global folklore in his own magical way, Kukko has also quite iconoclastically arranged his own versions of classical pieces by Grieg, Beethoven, Shostakovich and Schubert. In between 1982 and 1992 Kukko lived in Spain.In 1985, as the Finnish national epic The Kalevala celebrated its 150th birthday, the City of Kajaani commissioned Kukko to write a suite for the festivities. The saxman has also composed music for the Espoo Big Band. This big band debut came in 1990 and got an enthusiastic reception from critics and audiences alike. The man, who originally started out on guitar and was influenced by Jimi Hendrix, has come a long way.These days Sakari Kukko can't even think of music regionally. In the spirit of a true pioneer he prefers to open his mind to every possible direction and mould music to suit his own senses. His 2001's solemn quartet album 'Virret', based on Nordic chorals and hymns, became a massive success both artistically and commercially.The same territory was revisited two years later by 'Joulu'. A theme album concentrating on Christmas hymns, it was another hit. On both of these albums, Kukko was backed by the Samuli Mikkonen Trio, i.e. pianist Mikkonen, bassist Ulf Krokfors, and drummer Mika Kallio.Recordings:Piirpauke (1975). Love Records LRCD 148. Piirpauke 2 (1976). Love Records LRCD 192. Live in der Balver Höhle (1980). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2049. Kirkastus (1981). Piirpauke. Warner 8573 87870. Birgi Buhtui (1983). Piirpauke. Warner 8573 87869. Live in Europe (1983). Piirpauke. Warner 8573 87871. Villi itä / Wild East (1986). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2004, Jaro Germany 4128-2. Algazara (1988). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2009, Jaro Germany 4132-2. Zerenade (1989). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2017, Jaro Germany 4142-2. Global servisi (compilation, 1990). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2021, Jaro Germany 4150-2. Moonlight Caravan & Finnish Characters (1990). Espoo Big Band plays music of Sakari Kukko. Martti Lappalainen, conductor. EBBCD1. Tuku tuku (1991). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2028, Jaro Germany 4158-2. Terra Nova (1993). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2037. Metamorphosis (live, 1977–1995). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2045. Ave Maria (1997). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2050. Laula sinäkin (1999). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2058. Kalevala Spirit (2000). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2065. Virret (2001). Sakari Kukko, saxophones, flutes; Samuli Mikkonen, piano; Ulf Krokfors, bass; Mika Kallio, drums. Zen Master Records (Rockadillo) ZENCD 2073. Sillat (2002). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2078. Laulu laineilla (2003). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2080. Joulu (2003). Sakari Kukko, saxophone, flute; Samuli Mikkonen, piano; Ulf Krokfors, bass; Mika Kallio, drums; Badu Ndjai, guitar. Rockadillo ZENCD 2086. Ikiliikkuja - 30 Year Anniversary Compilation (2004). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2094. Kalabalik (2006). Piirpauke. Rockadillo ZENCD 2106. *note: these information can be found in the Finnish Music Information Centre (FMIC)
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