Two Finnish acts Pauli Lyytinen Magnetia Orkesteri and Joonas Haavisto Trio have been chosen to play the Jazzahead showcase programme in 2018. Jazzahead, held annually in Bremen, Germany is considered the most important international gathering of jazz music professionals and concert goers. The event, which is held for the thirteenth time, consists of a high-level showcase festival and a trade fair.

Pauli Lyytinen Magnetia Orkesteri

Magnetia Orkesteri is saxophonist Pauli Lyytinen plus fellow Finnish A-list musicians Verneri Pohjola on trumpet, Eero Tikkanen on bass and Mika Kallio on drums. The leader of the Helsinki-based quartet is known from other projects such as Mikko Innanen 10+ (in which the entire quartet is featured), Raoul Björkenheim eCsTaCy, and Elifantree. Their music is a potent mix of free playing and memorable compositions.

Joonas Haavisto Trio

Joonas Haavisto, one of the most talented Finnish jazz pianists of his generation, released his new album oku through Fredriksson Music in January 2016. Haavisto on piano is joined by Antti Lötjönen on bass and Joonas Riippa on drums.