Dialog

Eero Koivistoinen is a legendary figure in Finnish jazz, renowned for his versatility and creativity as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Born in Helsinki in 1946, Koivistoinen's journey into jazz began in the mid-1960s, inspired by the records his sailor brother brought back from his travels. He honed his craft at the Sibelius Academy and later at Berklee College of Music in Boston, returning to Finland to become a pioneering force in the country's jazz scene.

Koivistoinen's career spans over five decades, during which he has released numerous acclaimed albums, from his debut "Valtakunta" in 1968 to his hip-hop-influenced "X-Ray" in 2006. His music is known for its diversity, ranging from pithy jazz solos to large-scale compositions, and he has collaborated with a wide array of artists, from fellow jazz greats to rappers and rock musicians. Koivistoinen was also a member of the seminal Finnish rock band Blues Section and has worked extensively as an educator, conductor, and producer. His contributions to Finnish jazz have earned him the title of a "genuine local hero," and his music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.