Bio

As gripping in his expression as he is fluent in his phrasing, Teemu Viinikainen is the epitome of the multi-faceted modern-day jazz guitarist. His rise to the elite of Finland's finest guitar players seems to have been quick, even though he has studied his instrument at various institutes ever since childhood. At the moment he also teaches guitar playing at his alma mater, the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department.

Viinikainen has appeared on the stage with saxophonists Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman, trumpeters Randy Brecker and Tim Hagans, conductor Vince Mendoza and fellow guitarist Wayne Krantz. He collaborates frequently with local bandleaders like saxophonists Jukka Perko and Eero Koivistoinen and drummer/pianist Jukkis Uotila. He’s also co-leader in organ trio called The Bronson other members being Mikko Heleva on organ and Teppo Makynen on drums

Apart from being a member of the Blue Note Finland –recording team the U-Street All Stars, the guitarist's discography includes such recent Finnish jazz landmarks as the Jazz-Emma –winning Kaira by drummer André Sumelius's band Lift (2002), the critically lauded New Moods - New Sounds by saxophonist Antti Sarpila and vibraphone player Severi Pyysalo (2001), and poetic trio albums Kuunnelmia (2004) and Maan korvessa (2008)executed with vibraphonist Severi Pyysalo and saxophonist Jukka Perko.

Teemu’s exciting first release is called Tales of Robert Dickson and it features Tim Hagans on trumpet, Timo Hirvonen on bass and Jussi Lehtonen on drums. This recording was released on KSJAZZ label and it is his first as a leader.

2005 Petri Silas, Fimic

Curriculum Vitae

Groups:

Perko-Pyysalo-Viinikainen, Jukka Perko Nelitahti, Pettinen & Viinikainen, The Bronson, Mirja Makela trio, Eero Koivistoinen Music Society, Jenny Robson Acoustic Band, Olli Ahvenlahti Groups, Jussi Fredrikson Acoustic Band, Jussi Lehtonen Band, UMO Jazz Orchestra

Awards:

Guitarist of the Year (Jazzrytmit) (2002 - 2008)
Sony Jazz Award (2004)
Kritiikin Kannus (U-Street) (2004)
Jazz-Emma (Lift) (2003)
Hankasalmi Culture Award (2003)
Pori Jazz Young Artist (U-Street) (2002)
DIG-Prize (2001)
Getzo Jazz Contest (U-Street,1.place) (2001)

Performances:

Joe Lovano, Randy Brecker, Vince Mendoza, Tim Hagans, Dave Liebman, Jim Beard, Scott Kinsey, Wayne Krantz and concerts in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and all over the Europe

Recordings:

See Discography