Olli Ahvenlahti "The Poet"

One of the main figures in Finnish jazz, and also rock and all around entertainment, the pianist/composer performs his classic album The Poet in its entirety live with his band. Originally released in 1975, The Poet was rediscovered by the 90’s acid jazzers in England and subsequently it became a very hip item for DJ’s around the world.
Especially the single Gran Ma’s Rocking Chair is still played in the clubs today.

Olli Ahvenlahti studied at the Sibelius Academy and Berklee College in US. Back home he has been involved in a lot of interesting musical turns. He has worked with Finnish heavy weights, like guitarist Hasse Walli, the late great reedsman Pekka Pöyry and saxist Eero Koivistoinen. Olli was also, for a long time, the “right hand” of singer/flutist Vesa-Matti Loiri in the latter’s musical projects ranging from poetry to humour. In the 70’s he played in The legendary Group with bass maestro Pekka Pohjola, guitarist Seppo Tyni and drummer Vesa Aaltonen. The prolific composer has provided material for the mighty UMO as well as for tv, radio and theatre productions.