October 14th 2022:
Three Seconds | Kolme Toista, my first album in 9 years, has been released today on Challenge Records International
To have such kind words from Jason Palmer and Vancil Cooper – who are not only my bandmates but who I consider to be my brothers, my mentors and musical giants whose artistry goes to depths I can only hope to reach one day – accompany the album on its way out into the world is pretty overwhelming.
– In Lapland, we would say “korvat punottaa” – “my ears are blushing.”
This has been the single most ambitious and monumental creative endeavour of my life so far, and I have so many people to thank without whom this would not have been possible, so if you will indulge me, since not all of you will buy the physical album to be able to read the liner notes, I want to send my deepest gratitude to:
The Reijonen and Heer-Bürgler families for your love and support, and for everything I have learned from you.
The people whose paths crossed mine in Finland, Jordan, Tanzania, Oman, Lebanon and the United States for shaping me.
My family of friends the world over for still walking with me. You make me feel at home no matter where I am.
Eva Louhivuori for shining a light.
Randy Harrison for the right words at the right moment. This music would not exist without our conversation that day.
Anna Tolstoy for the gentle realignment that continues to move me.
Jaakko Huikari for listening – and listening again.
Nima Janmohammadi for pushing and pulling me like only you can.
Ann Braithwaite for taking a chance on me once, and your friendship through all these years.
Jeff Lockhart for being such an inspiring presence and keeping me in the shed. May you never turn that amp down.
Jason Palmer, Bulut Gülen, Layth Sidiq, Naseem Alatrash, Utar Artun, Kyle Miles, Keita Ogawa, Vancil Cooper and Luis Bacqué for being who you are, and for accompanying me on this journey. I have no words for how much you, your brotherhood and your artistry mean to me.
Layth Sidiq for helping “Transient” resonate in spaces I did not know existed.
Utar Artun for your invaluable insight whenever I felt stuck with orchestration, and for helping rehearse and conduct the strings and horns.
Evan Bakke and Colin Hallahan at Power Station New England for making us feel so at home and inspired while recording.
The Ruokangas Guitars family: Juha Ruokangas and Emma Elftorp for your spirit, inspiration and friendship, and Juha, Tomi Nivala and Jani Rinta-Keturi for designing and building my dream instrument.
Kari Ikonen for helping me break through the grid.
Eeva-Liisa Luukkonen for the threads, and your gracious time guiding this apprentice weaver.
Juan Carlos Villarroël and Ernesto Galan for the visuals.
…and most importantly, Gabriela - for reasons only you and I can ever know.
This recording was made possible by support from The Boston Foundation, Taike (Arts Promotion Centre Finland) and MES (Musiikin edistämissäätiö).
Thank You for Listening.
Jussi
