Jukkis Uotila Band

Jukkis Uotila Band feat. Gerard Presencer & Seamus Blake
– April Jazz 40th Anniversary Concert

Jukkis Uotila is one of the central figures of Finnish jazz – a musician whose influence extends from the stage to the thinking of entire generations of Finnish jazz artists. The history of April Jazz is closely intertwined with Uotila’s career: he performed at the very first April Jazz festival in 1987 and has returned to the festival on several occasions in different ensembles ever since. In the anniversary year 2026, Uotila returns to the April Jazz stage with a new international top-level band, in a concert that also serves as a tribute to the festival’s 40-year journey.

The Jukkis Uotila Band represents the most direct and groove-driven jazz expression of this year’s programme. The music combines traditional groove jazz, a strong compositional voice and world-class ensemble playing. The repertoire moves effortlessly from energetic, rhythmically vibrant sections to sensitive and lyrical ballads. The sound reflects Uotila’s decades-long experience on both American and European jazz scenes, as well as his continued curiosity for new encounters and dialogue between generations.

At the age of 19, Jukkis Uotila moved to New York, where he went on to perform with artists such as Randy Brecker, Toots Thielemans, Joe Lovano, Joey Calderazzo and Mike Stern. After returning to Finland, he shaped the Jazz Department of the Sibelius Academy in his own image. As the first Professor of Jazz in the Nordic countries, he helped elevate the department into the international elite of jazz education. Through his distinctive pedagogical vision, Uotila has educated three generations of Finnish jazz musicians.

In addition to drums, Uotila is active as a pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and bandleader. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has received numerous accolades, including Musician of the Year and Jazz Drummer of the Year awards. He received the Finnish Jazz Federation’s prestigious Yrjö Award in 1991, the State Prize for Musical Arts in 2011, and in 2021 he was named Finland’s 38th Jazz Legend in recognition of his long and influential career.

Trumpeter Gerard Presencer, a four-time British Jazz Awards winner, is one of the key voices of European jazz trumpet today. He has recorded and performed with artists such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Randy Brecker, and his playing can also be heard on recordings by major pop artists including Sting, Take That and Robbie Williams. Presencer is familiar to April Jazz audiences from his previous appearances as a soloist with the Espoo Big Band.

Saxophonist Seamus Blake is among the leading figures of modern jazz saxophone. He is known for his work with the Mingus Big Band as well as ensembles led by John Scofield and Antonio Sánchez. With 16 albums released under his own name, Blake has appeared at April Jazz twice before. His playing combines virtuosic technique, strong melodic vision and deep swing.

The younger generation of the band is represented by pianist Holger Marjamaa and bassist Alexander Claffy. Marjamaa has rapidly risen onto the international jazz scene and has performed with artists such as trumpeter Chris Botti, guitarist Lee Ritenour, and the a cappella group Take 6. Completing the rhythm section is New York–based bassist Claffy, one of the most in-demand players of his generation, who has recently performed with Brad Mehldau and Kurt Rosenwinkel, as well as in an Art Blakey tribute ensemble led by Carl Allen.

In the Jukkis Uotila Band, different generations, long careers and a living groove come together. The result is music where experience, energy and the shared moment are equally essential. This concert leads the audience to the timeless, swinging core of jazz – while celebrating 40 years of April Jazz.

Jukkis Uotila, drums
Gerard Presencer, trumpet (UK)
Seamus Blake, saxophone (CA)
Holger Marjamaa, piano (EE)
Alexander Claffy, bass (US)

Photo: Timo Lind

7:30 pm doors
8:00 pm Jukkis Uotila Band
approx. 9:30 pm concert ends

Tickets €36 / €31 + order fee (from €1.50 + 0.65% of order), Lippu.fi
Duration approx. 1h 30min, no intermission.

Preorder food and drinks from Café Molli using the online preorder form, by phone +358 41 3172025 or email myynti@cafemolli.fi.

Louhi Hall, Espoo Cultural Centre
Kulttuuriaukio 2, 02100 Espoo (Google Maps / HSL Journey Planner)