WeeGee Live: April Jazz Club: Kasper Halttunen 5tet

Kasper Halttunen 5tet performs compositions by Jyväskylä-born drummer and composer Kasper Halttunen in the spirit of modern jazz. At the heart of their versatile programme are strong and beautiful melodies and loop-like patterns around which the band’s collective improvisation can truly flourish. The band’s sound combines the soft blend of vibraphone and alto saxophone with a traditional piano trio. Alongside traditional jazz, the music also includes influences from the worlds of gospel and hip hop. This expressive ensemble consists of younger generation musicians whose distinctive playing has attracted widespread attention across the Finnish jazz scene in numerous line-ups. The band will release its debut album in autumn 2026.

“It was immediately clear from the very first bars they played in Lahti that this was a five-piece band of exceptionally talented musicians with remarkable chemistry. This is how easy it can be when musicians are on the same wavelength, their senses sharp and fully present in the moment, ready to throw ideas to one another, catch them and fire them straight back.” –Janne Tarmio, Jazzrytmit, 12 March 2025

“Halttunen’s melodies are not the kind that quickly wear out; the music withstands repeated listening, especially as it is also rich and varied in terms of arrangement and instrumentation.” –Pentti Ronkanen, Suomijazz.com, 3 February 2025

Mikko Antila – vibraphone

Ilmari Rönkä – saxophones and flute

Juho Valjakka – piano

Antti Ahoniemi – double bass

Kasper Halttunen – drums and compositions