Stone church live - dedicated to Matti

Juli Wood saxophone

Anu Ahjokoski bass

Petri Ahjokoski guitar

Matti Heinivaho (20.01.1936 – 16.09.2024) was an important figure in the Finnish music industry. In this field, he combined a pop star, jazz musician, Yle music journalist and director.

For the members of the Juli Wood trio, Matti was a dear playing friend who was enthusiastic about music and encouraged everyone around him with his positive outlook on life. The concert is dedicated to Matti as a thank you and a salute to him. All the songs belong to this jazz tradition that united them with Matti.

Chicago native Juli Wood has established her place in her homeland by performing and recording under her own name for decades. Her musical roots are deep in African-American soil. Juli's singing style is rootsy and bluesy, and her phonation is sophisticated yet raw and follows the hardbop tradition. Juli Wood was awarded the New Works, Fresh Voices award by The Jazz Institute Of Chicago in 2021.

Anu and Petri Ahjokoski have lived and played together in Sweden, England and Finland. In addition to these, they have performed in the USA, Germany and Russia, among others. Their playing and compositions have been heard in theaters, television, clubs, churches and festivals. Ahjokoski's playing partners include, among others, Johanna Iivanainen, Pentti Lasanen, Ted Curson (USA), Riku Niemi, Markku Johansson, Antti Sarpila and Marian Petrescu.