Antti Annola - Whirlpool (2022) Hi-Res

Not from the deep black south, but from the white city of Pohjola... Oulu, in the footsteps of the tar thieves. Antti Annola, an artist-actor born in 1989, is almost unknown to many. That's why it's good to "borrow" Northern Opera Company NOCPOK's introductory text about Mr.

- Antti Annola is a singer and musician from Oulu. As an actor, he has acted in, among others, Oulu City Theater's musical theater and opera productions West Side Story (Tony, 2009), The Emperor's Waltz (2009), T. Pylkkänen's Unknown Soldier (Määttä, 2014) and The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke, 2015). In addition to performing in various ensembles, Annola has worked, e.g. As a soloist of the Oulu All Star Big Band and the Lapland Military Band.

- Annola graduated from professional vocal studies at the Oulu Conservatory in 2012, and continued in further professional education focusing on jazz improvisation and classical singing. He has sought to learn about singing and voice use in a wide variety of ways from both rhythmic and classical music singing teachers. By training, he is a musician, vocal pedagogue (pop/jazz) and Estilla Master Trainer, the latter certified teacher of the Estill Voice Training voice model.

Antti's exceptional baritone takes his listeners far from the Oulujoki estuary. His way of articulating and controlling his voice gives the album's jazz tracks tones that you wouldn't necessarily believe to be a domestic production at first glance. Not to mention the gentleman's scatting, now we are far from the universal Finnish rigid ääbälääby. Great and enjoyable.

The same words also apply to the accompanying band. Pianist Sami Juntunen's black and white compositions create the deepest essence of jazz. In a simple, jazzy way, without any of the other kinks. The young double bassist Roni Helminen summarizes the whole with his thick strings, and the whole is crowned by the legendary "jug emperor" Olli Estola from Oulu, a kupula artist who has been involved in many. All in all, Jazz with a capital letter. Feeling the deepest essence of jazz... giving Annola an excellent base and support for her vocals.

The naturalness of the whole and the freed out delivery are complemented by a pleasant sounding listening pleasure. Even the signatory, who has sat on the juries of several international jazz singing competitions, is known to be very cynical and pessimistic towards male jazz singers, positively welcomes this album. Excellent Annola and partners.

This debut album includes new songs as well as jazz standards. Musically, the important themes of the album are melody, improvisation and strong stories. The album is a kind of collection of pieces from a person's journey, from the fear of loss to the recognition of inner peace.

A successful album, with which it is suitable to enter even bigger stages. I'm excitedly waiting for the continuation... when I've got the taste, my innermost hugger will add this...(OR)