Valtteri Laurell Nonet - Tigers Are Better Looking (2023)

Composer Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen presents his Nonet formation of We Jazz Records. Their debut album "Tigers Are Better Looking" is released 3 Feb and the ensemble features internationally renowned Finnish clarinetist Antti Sarpila, plus a strong cast of Helsinki-based musicians from several of the top Finnish groups.

Based on the writings of British-Caribbean author Jean Rhys (1890–1979), the 6-track album is a melancholy, intimate chamber jazz creation. Laurell's music swings, yet he doesn't stop there, but moves further to paint an original, richly-toned sonic image with the highly potent Nonet.

Laurell states Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis's "Water Babies" and Charles Mingus among the key musical influences of his compositions on this album. Through Rhys's text, Laurell finds a special sense of detachment and melancholy evident in his new material. Laurell's music swings, yet he doesn't stop there, but moves further to paint an original, richly-toned sonic image with the highly potent Nonet. Antti Sarpila's masterful clarinet provides the icing on the cake, floating high above the clouds of sound.

Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen; compositions, electric guitar
Antti Sarpila, clarinet
Jukka Eskola; trumpet, flugelhorn
Petri Puolitaival; alto sax, flute
Jussi Kannaste, tenor sax
Antti Rissanen, trombone
Ville Vannemaa, baritone sax
Ville Herrala, double bass
Jaska Lukkarinen, drums