Out Of Self And Into Others (Vinyl)

Helsinki tenor saxophonist Jussi Kannaste’s debut album as a band leader has been a long time coming. A top musician in the local scene revered by his contemporaries and sought after as a band member, Kannaste now presents his new work Out Of Self and Into Others on We Jazz Records. His quartet, Kannaste4, brings together Finnish musicians Tomi Nikku (of Bowman Trio) and Joonas Riippa, plus Berlin-based Swedish bassist Petter Eldh (of Koma Saxo / Post Koma and Y-OTIS), and features an all original program penned by Kannaste. His music is highly personal contemporary jazz leaning into modes of avantgarde expression. At times quiet as a whisper, at times fiery and swinging, Out Of Self and Into Others is a product of a deep marinade, a debut album that feels like much more than “just” that.

Singles “New Life” and “No Name” fit well for showcasing the different energy levels of the album. “New Life”, which has existed as a live version already during previous iterations of Kannaste’s live band, invites the listener right in, and soon surprises by presenting him in a hushed solo setting, sans the rhythm section, during which the saxophonist provides a brief introduction into each of the compositions on the album. This album, full of compositional innovation that feels at the same time natural and unique, peels back and adds layers from the first moments on. “No Name”, a hauntingly beautiful quiet time ballad is a captivating listen, its sparsity lending the track remarkable quiet intensity. “It’s All Good”, another key piece, is offered here as two versions bookending the LP edition’s side B. The lax vibe of the piece delivers its message that feels soothing yet almost radical in its momentary acceptance of it all.

Jussi Kannaste (born 1976) is a saxophonist and educator based in Helsinki. Prior to launching Kannaste4, he has been a key part of the scene for 20+ years, performing in highly acclaimed bands such as Antti Lötjönen Quintet East, 3TM, Jaska Lukkarinen Trio, Ricky-Tick Big Band, and many more. As the head of the department of Jazz at Sibelius Academy, Kannaste is also a key figure in internationally admired Finnish jazz education system.