Finland's New Tenor Voice: The Jimi Ahlroos Trio on Jazzaggression Records
Some debut records announce themselves with a bang. The Jimi Ahlroos Trio's self-titled 10" does it in three tracks.
Jazzaggression describes it as "killer youth jazz" from Finland's new tenor sensation, energetic rhythmical trio jazz recorded at the label's Pelto studio. It is Ahlroos's first release as a bandleader and composer, and it makes the case for the young Finnish saxophonist.
The record
It's a debut on Jazzaggression in the classic 10-inch format, with three originals from Ahlroos. He is joined by Mooses Kuloniemi on drums and Tuomo Purhonen on double bass. The trio recorded it on 19 November 2023, and Matias Kiiveri mixed and mastered it, with Johan Fredrik Lavik producing.
The tracklist:
Kouvo's Dance (5:03): a funky, uptempo opener on the A-side.
Blues (6:07): a deeply personal follow-up.
Dave Had a Dream (9:55): an expansive B-side that pays heartfelt tribute to David Lynch, and has already gone down well at Ahlroos's gigs.
Only 350 numbered copies were pressed, each in a reused, flipped sleeve with an insert card carrying a digital download. Every copy is a little different, which suits the music's raw, immediate feel. Jazzaggression files it under free improvisation, experimental and spiritual jazz. It came out in September 2024 (catalogue number JA 1048SJU).
About the label
Jazzaggression is a Norwegian jazz label based in Finland. It produces new music but also reissues old and rare releases. A numbered 10" in a DIY sleeve is very much in keeping with that independent spirit.
The reception
The EP got airplay soon after release, including on Gilles Peterson's Worldwide FM show, on Radio Helsinki and on Yle's jazz club programme. It is still getting attention two years on. On 30 September 2026, Jazz on the Beach included "Kouvo's Dance" in its fifth-anniversary episode of favourites from its first five years.
Who is Jimi Ahlroos?
Ahlroos is a saxophonist and composer from Oulu who plays with his own ensembles and in the bands Peelan and Unitet. His music blends modern jazz melodies with strong echoes of blues and rock. The trio formed in Helsinki and plays mainly his originals, with a sound that is acoustic, intimate and compelling.
Recent performances
Porvoo Jazz Club, 31 January 2025: The trio opened the club's 2025 season at Vanha 123 in Porvoo. Ahlroos played soprano and tenor sax.
jaZZanti concert series, 9 February 2026: Ahlroos led a quartet in Helsinki as part of the Helsinki Jazz Association's spring 2026 series. The venue was Hakasalmen huvila, and Rafa Postel joined on trumpet alongside Purhonen and Kuloniemi.
If you're anywhere near Finland, keep an eye on Jazz Finland's live listings for the next dates.
Final thoughts
The record is short, with three tracks across two sides. It covers a lot of ground in that time, from funk to blues to a long tribute to David Lynch. Pressings are limited and numbered, so don't leave it too long.
Sources very worth mentioning an excellent site https://suomijazz.com/ superb site for Finnish Jazz gigs, Artist news and recording info.
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