Teemu Viinikainen, guitarist

Teemu Viinikainen (b.1975) is one of Finland’s most sought after and respected jazz guitarists. He is known in Finland both as a top-class soloist and as a reliable accompanist. His expressive and virtuosic playing combined with a versatility and ability to adapt to very different environments have hastened his rapid rise to the top of his craft. He has appeared on the stage with tumpeters Randy Brecker and Tim Hagans, saxman Dave Liebman, pianist Jim Beard and fellow guitarist Wayne Krantz.

Viinikainen has been chosen in his home country as guitarist of the year from 2002 to 2005 by jazz critics and gig organisers. In 2004, he was awarded the prestigious Sony Jazz prize, which, in addition to the prize money, also included a tour in Finland together with the jazz group, the Bronson, which was organised by the Jazz Federation of Finland. He participated in the same year in recording the album entitled ‘Lift’, which won the Jazz Emma award as best Finnish jazz record of the year. Viinikainen’s first record under his own name, "Tales of Robert Dickson", was issued in June 2005 on the KSJAZZ label.

Homepage: Teemu Viinikainen

Samples: www.finnjazz.com (Tales of Robert Dickson)

Selected groups:
The Bronson, U-Street All Stars, Jukka Perko Trio, Jukka Perko Viisikko, Ite Ensemble

CD recordings for labels:
Jenny Robson, Butterfly Life, Texicalli records (2006)
Eero Koivistoinen, Music Society, X-Ray, Wolfgang Records (2006)
Teemu Viinikainen, Tales of Robert Dickson, KSJAZZ (2005)
Sid Hille Platypus Ensemble, Satsang, Alba (2005)
Lasse Lindgren Sunburst, Sunburst (2005)
Perko-Pyysalo-Viinikainen, Kuunnelmia, Blue Note (2004)
U-Street All Stars, Bowling, Blue Note (2004)
Eero Koivistoin, Suomalainen, Silence (2003)
Andre Sumelius Lift, Kaira, Abovoice (2002)
U-Street All Stars, Helsinki Sessions, Blue Note (2002)
Severi Pyysalo/Antti Sarpila, New Moods, New Sounds, Blue Note (2001)

Booking & Management:
Ms Virpi Laaksonen
Tel. +358 40 535 1840
virpi.laaksonen@festium.fi