Mika Kallio Gong Odyssey

23.2.2023

In April, top jazz can be experienced in a maritime milieu, when the fascinating Mika Kallio Gong Odyssey performs at Korpoström Archipelago Center and Utö Island Church.

Percussionist Mika Kallio’s fourth solo album, Gong Odyssey, was released in June 2022 and received an enthusiastic reception. The album, which is one of the record cases of the year, features gongs of different sizes, i.e. metallic circular percussion instruments. According to the nature of the gongs, the compositions on the album sway between ambient and improvised music. Kallio boldly throws himself into uncharted territories, conjuring a space of sound, where time ceases to exist.

In live concerts, the ethereal soundscapes of the compositions are brought to life by a diverse and creative group of top names in Finnish jazz music. Keyboardist-drummer Jussi Fredriksson, woodwind player Max Zenger and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen perform in addition to their main instruments as masters of gongs and other percussion instruments. “I’m really pleased to be able to make the gong journey surrounded by such top talent,” Kallio enthuses his fellow musicians.

Mika Kallio’s (b. 1974) playing has always been defined by his broad scope, listening sensitivity and the ability to make the drums play in a way that enriches the accompanying ensemble. The internationally respected master of improvisation is especially known for his duos with saxophonist Mikko Innanen and trumpeter Verneri Pohjola, as well as the Kallio Slaaki percussion ensemble and the IMPULSION project with dance artist Satu Rinnetmäki.

Archipelago Sea Jazz presents: Mika Kallio Gong Odyssey

Fri 14 April 2023 at 7 p.m., Archipelago Centre Korpoström, Korpo
Sat 15 April 2023 at 9 p.m., Utö Church

Tickets 15 euros from Tiketti.
Duration of the concert is approx. 1 hour. The concerts have no age limit.

Mika Kallio – gongs and synthesizer
Jussi Fredriksson – gongs and synthesizers
Jaska Lukkarinen – gongs, synthesizer and percussion instruments
Max Zenger – bass clarinet, double bass clarinet and percussion

”This is completely unique: fascinating and calming. If you start to feel stuck in your head, you can quickly find space with this one, as long as you surrender to Kallio’s guided trip with an open mind and being present.” – Jussi Niemi, Soundi (★★★★★)

You can reach Archipelago Centre Korpoström by own car or boat, or with Saaristobussi lines 901–904. Bus timetables from: tlo.fi Accommodation inquiries to Korpoström: skargardscentrum.fi 

In addition to your own boat, you can also arrive at Utö Island with the connecting vessel M/S Baldur. The ship leaves Nauvo’s Pärnäinen harbor on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The return journey leaves Utö on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. The connecting vessel is free of charge and the trip lasts approx. 5 hours. You can arrive at Pärnäinen port in Nauvo by your own car or by Saaristobussi lines 901-904.

M/S Baldur timetables: meritie.fi 
Bus timetables: tlo.fi

Facebook events:
Korpoström
Utö Church