The Most Prestigious Awards in Finnish Jazz Presented in Tampere – Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award to Bassist Antti Lötjönen

The Finnish Jazz Federation has awarded the Yrjö Award annually since 1967 to a distinguished Finnish jazz musician. In recent years, the award has been presented to saxophonist Linda Fredriksson (2023), trumpeter Jukka Eskola (2022), and drummer Mikko Hassinen (2021). This year, the award went to bassist Antti Lötjönen. 
– “Lötjönen's impressive number of recordings and performances, both in his own projects and in various bandleader ensembles, demonstrates stylistic versatility, supportive and attentive playing, and a strong personal voice,” describes Jari Perkiömäki, a member of the award jury composed of the Jazz Federation’s board, explaining the rationale for the recognition.

Antti Lötjönen has been a prominent figure in the Finnish jazz scene for over 20 years. He has performed in more than 30 countries, and his playing can be heard on over 100 jazz recordings, including those with the Ilmiliekki Quartet, Verneri Pohjola Quartet, The Five Corners Quintet, Aki Rissanen Trio, Mikko Innanen Autonomus, Timo Lassy Band, Ricky-Tick Big Band, and Seppo Kantonen Trio. Lötjönen gained international recognition particularly in 2018, touring Europe as part of the trio of five-time Grammy-winning drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. Lötjönen also composes for his own Antti Lötjönen Quintet East.

Among Lötjönen's latest projects are collaborations with American saxophonist Darius Jones and a duo with Kalle Kalima, who has established a notable career in Central Europe. The duo’s debut album is set for release in early 2025. During the award concert, the newly crowned Yrjö Award winner performed alongside his long-time collaborator Verneri Pohjola. In his acceptance speech, Lötjönen emphasized the importance of community in jazz: 
– “For me, the core of jazz music has always been about collectivity and working together. I am grateful and honored that my work for music and the community is recognized with the Yrjö Award. These are challenging times for the entire cultural field. For my part, this recognition gives me encouragement to move forward. Let’s keep art alive and open. Focus on the content, respecting, supporting, and valuing diverse perspectives and each other. Thank you!”

Yrjö Art Piece: Riikka Anttonen's Improvisaatio aamunkoitossa ("Improvisation at Dawn")
 

The Yrjö Award comes with a commissioned art piece from a different artist each year. This year, the piece is visual artist Riikka Anttonen's Improvisaatio aamunkoitossa (“Improvisation at Dawn”, soapstone, 2024). The sculpture, consisting of three parts, can be displayed in numerous ways by rearranging the individual pieces.
– “The playful adaptability of the sculpture refers to the improvisation characteristic of jazz music, which served as the starting point for the piece’s form. The stone used in the piece symbolizes the reliable professionalism and confidence that can be seen as hallmarks of Lötjönen’s work and distinguished career,” explains Anttonen. 

Riikka Anttonen holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Helsinki (2023) and a master’s degree in arts from Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture (2012). Her works will next be exhibited at the Helsinki Art Hall and the Bærum Kunsthall in Oslo. Anttonen’s works are also part of the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

Andania Lifetime Achievement Award to Concert Organiser Jari Hytti

Since 1988, the Jazz Federation has granted the discretionary Andania Award for long-standing and exceptional contributions to Finnish jazz. This year, the recognition went to Jari Hytti, chairman of Jazzkerho -76 association in Joensuu. 
– “Jari Hytti and his organization have shown that volunteer work can make jazz music more accessible nationwide and sustain significant cultural activity in Joensuu and its surrounding areas. Jazzkerho -76 has succeeded in creating a local audience base that appreciates jazz music, consistently filling a remarkable number of concerts. Their audience development and diverse communication and concert activities are unmatched in Joensuu,” says Petteri Klintrup, Chairman of the Finnish Jazz Federation.

Jazz Federation’s Taimi Award to Singer, Pianist and Violinist Helmi Antila

The Jazz Federation’s annual Taimi Award is given to a young musician who passionately develops their musical expression. With the award, the Jazz Federation aims to encourage young musicians to boldly seek and express their own voice. The award includes performance opportunities at three domestic jazz festivals, which this year are Porvoo Jazz Festival, SaloJazz Festival and the Jazz Federation’s Jazz-Espa Festival. The second-ever Taimi Award was granted to singer, pianist, and violinist Helmi Antila. 
– “Helmi Antila is a musician who radiates light and inspiration around her. She is a multi-instrumentalist who masterfully commands her instruments and beautifully combines technical prowess with artistic sensitivity. Helmi’s strong personal voice and determined approach give the impression of someone who does not follow ready-made paths but instead bravely forges her own,” describes Henriika Steidel-Luoto, a member of the award jury from the Jazz Federation’s board.

Yle’s Varjo-Yrjö Award to Promoter Olle Ekman 

Promoter Olle Ekman received Yle’s Varjo-Yrjö Award for promoting jazz culture. Ekman is best known for the Ekman Jazz Club, which he founded in 1997 and operates in the Sture Jazz Bar premises. He has organized nearly 1400 jazz events through the club. Since 1956, Ekman has organized a total of about 5000 performances and jam sessions. Ekman is also a jazz musician, drummer, and bandleader, with his band Manhattan Feeling having featured pianist Martti Pohjalainen and bassist Pekka Sarmanto for 25 years. Numerous Finnish and international jazz musicians have performed as soloists with the trio, both in Finland and abroad. 

The awards were presented at Tullikamari’s Pakkahuone in Tampere on November 1, 2024. The event and Antti Lötjönen’s concert were part of the Finnish Jazz Federation’s National Jazz Days and the Tampere Jazz Happening program.