Pekka Saarikorpi

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Pekka Saarikorpi - drummer and percussionist
Pekka Saarikorpi (b. 1977) feels a predilection for Brazilian and West African rhythms, free jazz and the European tradition of jazz: styles of music close to his heart. Pekka’s way of playing drums has a strong legato feel to it – even light touches set off the tone and make the heads resonate. On the other hand, he has a talent for bringing out the percussive side of the instrument, making the kit sound like a complete African or Brazilian drum group.
Saarikorpi Brom - water music
West African rhythmics and the uninhibited stream of consciousness of free jazz
Drummer and percussionist Pekka Saarikorpi was intrigued by the idea of arranging his own compositions for different ensembles. This is how Water Music came to be – an album best described as a composing drummer’s debut. It is deep in personal flavour – strongly percussive but simultaneosly lyrical and minimalistically melodic. The recording contains Saarikorpi’s solo pieces for marimba, percussions, and drum kit, as well as arrangements for varied ensembles, among others a jazz quintet.
The album’s distinctive sound and character springs from the ability of the musicians to morph into different ensembles and instrument groups inside Saarikorpi Brom. Together they create a space where West African rhythmics and cinematic and minimalistic melodies and harmonies fuse with Nordic folk music and the uninhibited stream of consciousness of free jazz.
Sea and Family
In his free time, Pekka is passionate about sailing and during the summer months enjoys spending time with his wife Kaisa and daughters Iida and Elli in their old wooden sailing boat (Nordic Folkboat F-195, Veljeni Valas).
“The drums should be played like a wooden boat plays the sea – waves and surges, calms and currents – dawn in the distance.” -PS-