

Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine plays adventure music full of emotional expression and irresistibly catchy grooves. Exploring his imagination and the fascinating sounds of the world, the bandleader Arola writes strong visual music that takes the listeners to places. The group of five musicians from the top of the Finnish rhythmic music scene creates an interesting mix of folk and jazz expression combined with elements of pop and film music. Middle Eastern flavors are especially strong in their music. On their newest album, Blue & Golden (Flame Jazz Records 2022), Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine continues to enjoy the sound of their traditional acoustic instruments, but also spices up the mix by embracing the electronic sounds of Turkish psychedelia and Middle Eastern dance floor music.
New album 'Blue & Golden' out now! Buy it here.
Previously released albums:
Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine - Land Ahead! (2019)
Ilkka Arola - From the Depths of the Earth (2017)
SUOMIJAZZ.COM review:
'Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine's concert offered hypnotic groove sections, horn unisonos, percussion battles, fiery solos and fragile atmospheres. Group's set was versatile and colorful and very emotionally appealing. A bit of advertising here: this band fits to any folk, world or jazz festival and they can even put up a dabke dance party if needed. The band's first album will be released next fall, can't wait.'
Ilkka Arola - Quartertone trumpet and bouzouki
Topi Korhonen - electric guitar and oud
Esko Grundström - bass and synths
Juuso Hannukainen - percussion
Okko Saastamoinen - drums