Josefiina Vannesluoma & Mortal Lease on Jazz Federation Tour in November

Jazz singer and composer Josefiina Vannesluoma and her band Mortal Lease transform century-old poems into a sensual jazz expression. Their debut album The Mortal Lease, which earned a Jazz Emma nomination, is a nuanced work that shifts from ecstatic outbursts to restrained elegance. Influences from various musical styles blend naturally into the band’s rooted storytelling in jazz.

The band’s successful debut album is inspired by and draws its lyrics from Edith Wharton’s (1862–1937) poetry series The Mortal Lease. These ornate poems, written in the sonnet form, explore themes of ecstasy, a hunger for life, and the search for meaning.

In addition to Vannesluoma, the album features young top musicians, including pianist Mikael Myrskog, bassist Nathan Francis, drummer Ville Luukkonen, and Sampo Kasurinen on alto flute, clarinet, and tenor saxophone. On the tour, Joonas Tuuri will play the double bass. Alongside Vannesluoma, the album’s artistic producer was Markus Kärki, also known for his work on Signe’s To Sappho album and Game Music Collective’s audio productions.

Although The Mortal Lease album plays a central role in the band's repertoire, the Jazz Federation tour will also feature brand new music.

"The band is in an exciting transition phase towards a new repertoire. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how we respond to the new material I've composed and how the new musical ideas will also reflect in the interpretation of The Mortal Lease's tracks," Vannesluoma reveals.
"My wonderful musician companions have embraced my new compositions with enthusiasm and warmth – we can hardly wait to play them for the audience," Vannesluoma continues.

Vannesluoma, who has previously received recognition as a Teosto Award and Emma nominee, is known for her innovative composition style and beautiful sound, which have also been heard in ensembles such as Signe, Nossa Bossa, and Mikko Sarvanne Garden.

Josefiina Vannesluoma & Mortal Lease

Josefiina Vannesluoma – vocals and compositions
Mikael Myrskog – piano
Joonas Tuuri – double bass
Ville Luukkonen – drums
Sampo Kasurinen – woodwinds

Concert dates and venues

Fri 1.11. at 22.30 Tampere, Telakka / Tampere Jazz Happening
Sat 2.11. at 20.00 Vaasa, The Doo-Bop Club
Tue 5.11. at 19.00 Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz ry
Wed 6.11. at 19.00 Joensuu, Pakkahuone / Jazzkerho -76 ry
Fri 8.11. at 20.00 Porvoo, Vanha 123 / Porvoo Jazz Club