Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine Celebrates Their New Album on the Jazz Federation Tour in April

Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine released Adventures in the Now album (Flame Jazz Records) in March 2025. In his latest work, bandleader and trumpeter Ilkka Arola draws inspiration from psychedelic ethno-jazz fusion of the 1970s as well as Turkish disco from the same era. Arola has long dreamed of creating a funk-driven album with Sound Tagine, and the time has finally come. The new material bursts with energy, sweat-inducing rhythms, and rich sonic landscapes.

Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine always uses the ingredients needed at the moment—embracing possibilities in the spirit of the theme, while effectively avoiding any sonic congestion.
-Mika Roth, Desibeli.net

The dancefloor-ready Adventures in the Now explores themes of presence, the liberating power of letting go, the richness of life, and the experience of time. The concept of presence is not just reflected in the song titles—the band also aimed to capture the raw energy of live performance in the studio. The album was recorded mostly live, with just 1–3 takes per song, as the entire band played together simultaneously. Expect the same spontaneity and joy of playing at the album release concerts!

We are incredibly excited for the upcoming Jazz Federation tour! Playing five consecutive gigs is a rare treat—it allows us to dive deep into the essence of the band's interplay. The album release shows in March already hinted at ‘perfect conditions’ for what’s to come.
-Ilkka Arola

Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine

Ilkka Arola – trumpet, bouzouki, synthesizer, vocals
Topi Korhonen – electric guitar, oud, vocals
Esko Grundström – electric bass, synthesizer, vocals
Juuso Hannukainen – acoustic & electronic percussion
Okko Saastamoinen – drums

Concert Dates & Venues

Tue 8.4. at 19:00 – Lahti, Teerenpeli / Lahti Jazz ry
Wed 9.4. at 19:00 – Jyväskylä, Poppari / Jazz Jkl
Thu 10.4. at 19:00 – Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz ry
Fri 11.4. at 19:00 – Raahe, Raahe Theatre / Rajatsi ry
Sat 12.4. at 18:30 – Espoo, Tapiolan Klubi

Jazz – heard and seen!

Finnish Jazz Federation’s essential form of operation is national touring. The annual touring activities enable approximately 100 concerts in 40 different locations all over Finland. The concerts mainly take place in their member organizations. Tours include both in-house productions and collaborations with external producers.

For inquiries about Adventures in the Now music files, contact Valtteri Pokela (valtteri.pokela@jazzfinland.fi).