Two of Finland’s most virtuosic and forward-thinking musicians in saxophonist Timo Lassy and trumpeter Jukka Eskola have teamed up with a number of notable New Orleans musicians for an innovative new album on the Amsterdam-based Dox Records, titled Nordic Stew, that fuses together Nordic jazz and the deep-rooted sounds from the Crescent City.

Rooted in their long history of playing together, the project was born from a desire to explore and create something distinctive. The duo traveled to New Orleans to take in the city’s rich musical history, which ultimately inspired the foundation of the project. The decision to work in New Orleans was also influenced by the city’s history of connecting with Finnish culture. Around 100 years ago, Finnish immigrants traveled to the United States and later returned to Finland, bringing jazz records and influencing the development of Finnish jazz.

Featuring 10 tracks, this superb recording brilliantly fuses together modern Finland jazz with funky brass-heavy New Orleans grooves, while also incorporating elements of Afrobeat, cosmic jazz-funk, and samba.

The session also features a number of legendary and influential New Orleans musicians, including Herlin Riley, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, piano player David Torkanowsky, bassist Roland Guerin, percussionist Abdissa Assefa, tuba players Kirk Joseph and Matt Perrine.

Through their explorative efforts into jazz’s deepest roots and the iconic city that birthed the sound, Timo Lassy, Jukka Eskola and a host of New Orleans artists have put together a truly special and unique album.

Timo Lassy & Jukka Eskola — ‘Nordic Stew’
(Dox Records)

1. The Duke of Bayou
2. King Cake
3. Long Walk
4. Sweet Holler
5. Cross-Atlantic Connection
6. At Leroy’s
7. E and Two M’s
8. Return of the Andania
9. Samba De Zola
10. SangSom

BUY RECORD

• Jazz