Saxophone great Eero Koivistoinen heats up Nathan Francis session

Finnish tenor titan Eero Koivistoinen is featured heavily on the new Nathan Francis Quartet album out March 26th. 

Here's the scoop...

Helsinki-based jazz bassist Nathan Francis steps up as a bandleader with his debut project Nathan Francis Quartet feat. Eero Koivistoinen. Together with a grade-A cast of Finnish musicians, the four-piece presents some of Nathan's favourite tunes from the standard repertoire (John Hicks, Cecil McBee & John Coltrane) as well as original compositions from members of the group. As Nathan puts it, "in terms of compositions, the group acts somewhat like a collective. We play compositions of each member but with an energy and interpretation that belongs completely to the moment."

Released on March 26th by Ajabu! Records, Francis' debut album features the Finnish jazz legend Eero Koivistoinen on tenor saxophone. "Eero has given immensely to the jazz scene here in Finland and abroad. He carries a sound that is so deep and intense. I feel he is the perfect fit for this band", the young bassist explains. Koivistoinen has also composed two songs for the album, the soulful opening track "Minor Solution" (listen below) and the bluesy track entitled "Late Show." Markus Niittynen plays the piano and drummer Aleksi Heinola mans the drum seat. The former has also composed the album's third track "Crystal Clear" and the latter is well known as the inspired leader of his own quintet. 

Now settled in Helsinki, Nathan's primary wish was to form a "cross generational band as a tribute to his musical ancestors," a testament to the character of this young jazz musician. In his own words, Nathan says "meeting Finnish jazz legend, Eero Koivistoinen, sealed the deal", and this eloquent musical project came to its fruition at the studios of the Sibelius Academy.

Nathan started music from an early age and attended music classes in his hometown of Portland, Oregon at Portland State University while in high school. It was at this time that Nathan began studying jazz at the Alan Jones Academy of Music. In Portland, Nathan studied with Chuck Israels, Alan Jones, Jon Lakey, Chris Higgins, and Jason Schooler of the Oregon Symphony. Through these mentors and many more Nathan began growing the skills necessary to be a musician. Nathan also attended the Centrum Jazz Workshop and the Stanford Jazz Workshop where he met many jazz greats that would solidify his love for the music. After time spent in San Francisco at the San Francisco Conservatory, Nathan moved to Helsinki to study at the Sibelius Academy of Music and participate in the growing Helsinki arts scene. 

Nathan has performed with Randy Weston, Peter Bernstein, and Ron Steen and has attended masterclasses with other jazz luminaries such as Dana Hall and Julian Lage. Nathan currently continues his journey in Helsinki where he is an active part of the Jazz scene. He maintains a busy performing and touring schedule while studying at the Sibelius Academy of Music.

Nathan Francis Quartet Feat. Eero Koivistoinen

1. Minor Solution (Eero Koivistoinen) / 2. After the Morning (John Hicks) / 3. Crystal Clear (Markus Niittynen) / 4. Song of Her (Cecil McBee) / 5. Late Show (Eero Koivistoinen) / 6. Vilia (John Coltrane & Franz Lehar)

Ajabu! Records LP/CD (AJABULP036/AJABU036) out now!

Listen to "Minor Solution" and "Vilia" below. 

For more info, check out Nathan's site: http://www.nathanfrancis.net/