Iro Haarla
Ouranos Ensemble

Iro Haarla is a distinguished Finnish pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader. In her long career as one of the most distinctive creative powers in modern Scandinavian jazz, she has recorded acoustic albums for ECM Records under the production of Manfred Eicher and for the Finnish TUM-Records and Svart Records.

Iro Haarla Ouranos Ensemble weaves a vastly colorful world of sound around Haarla’s melodies and welcomes us to new sonic territory. The musical expression of the ensemble is strong and profound, consisting of Finnish renowned musicians.

Her personal and unique compositions provide the backbone of the music. The compositional contributions by Aniida Vesala and Ulf Krokfors further extend the palette of the ensemble.

The Greek word ”ouranos” means firmament. Every piece on this recording depicts, in some way, events that occur above the Earth. There are things we may not see but which still effect our lives.

Iro Haarla – piano, keyboards and compositions
Jarmo Saari – electric guitar, other instruments
Aija Puurtinen – vocals
Ulf Krokfors – double bass and compositions
Aniida Vesala – drums and compositions