In the autumn of 2021, four musicians and close friends joined forces for a week of touring and recording. This album captures the essence of their appraise live performances accumulating in a 2-day recording frenzy at the legendary Finnvox studios Helsinki. The album features a mix of new and original Aleksi Heinola compositions and works by jazz greats such as Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Joe Henderson, and Cedar Walton. The recording session was intense, with the group experimenting and playing together nonstop for two days. Their pre-studio performances shaped the music and created a expressive atmosphere in the studio, capturing the tight interplay and energy of a group fresh off tour. Aleksi's latest album represents a significant progression from his prior releases. However, he remains steadfast in his unwavering devotion to the jazz style that he holds most dear. The album serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of hard bop, characterized by its emphasis on captivating melodic phrasing, infectious swing rhythms, and a distinctive artistic flair that sets it apart from other modern works within the genre. The quartet is composed of an impressive array of talent, featuring Finnish drummer Aleksi Heinola, Hungarian tenor saxophonist Gábor Bolla, Finnish pianist Jukkis Uotila, and Swedish double bassist Daniel Franck. A must-listen for any jazz enthusiast looking for a fresh and captivating sound. Tracks: 1. Up & Down 7:25 (Aleksi Heinola), 2. Big Push 6:26 (Wayne Shorter), 3. Peace 5:36 (Horace Silver), 4. Bolivia 6:24 (Cedar Walton), 5. New Vibes 6:39 (Aleksi Heinola), 6. Vananta Land 6:24 (Aleksi Heinola), 7. 10 Points 5:17 (Aleksi Heinola), 8. Rio 5:15 (Wayne Shorter), 9. 415 Central Park West 5:00 (Steve Grossman), 10. Pronto 4:44 (Jukkis Uotila), 11. Think of One 6:02 (Thelonious Monk), 12. Tetragon 6:07 (Joe Henderson), 13. Soul Eyes 7:51 (Mal Waldron)

Aleksi Heinola Quartet

10 Pronto

09 415 Central Park West

08 Rio

07 10 Points

06 Vananta Land

05 New Vibes

04 Bolivia

03 Peace

02 Big Push

01 Up & Down

ITI Music Corporation is a record label with jazz from ITI Records, and all other genres including classical and rock music from Warrant Music, since 1982. All ITI Music releases are distributed digitally by The Orchard and physically by MVD.  No other promotion or marketing teams or companies are needed at this time. Thank you.

New tracks tagged #straight-ahead