Tampere Jazz Happening 2025
The 44th International Jazz Happening took place last weekend, filled with joy, reunions with old and new friends, and plenty of great music. This year, we had the incredible honor of both opening and closing the festival with performances by Mustik Motel artists.
See Maarit Kytöharju Tahmela Six photos here: Instagram
Marita Nyrhinen had a good impression on Tahmela Six, read in Finnish here:
Tampere Jazz Happening 2025 soitettiin uusissa mutta väliaikaisissa tiloissa – Kulttuuritoimitus
Ville Kurki took photos of Lauri Kallio and his band: Instagram
Tahmela Six – Ground VI – Kiikala Live
Mid August of this year Tahmela Six gathered at Lauri Kallio’s recording studio complex and ranch at Kiikala. First album was recorded inside during mid of the winter so it was only right ding to do to set the second album recording outside. Weather was pleasant warm and the group squeezed something good on the tape. Listen your self!
Second album is coming out closer to summer 2026!
Kadi Vija New album out now!
Join us to celebrate vocal instrumentalist Kadi Vija new album “Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic”!
The album is a vibrant narrative album celebrating the beauty and complexity of a rainbow family. Jazz vocal artist Kadi Vija shares her journey as a social parent, exploring love, connection, and the unique rhythms of family life.
“The album is a journey through time and imagination. At moments, it feels like sitting at the edge of your childhood bed; at others, you’re caught in the repetitive, numbing rhythm of everyday life. Then suddenly, a breathtakingly tender moment unfolds a landscape bathed in the colors and sensitivity of nature.”
– Laura Malmivaara, actress
Featured Musicians
Kadi Vija – vocals, synths, hand clap, percussions
Teppo Mäkynen – vocals, synths, hand clap, percussions
Teppo Vija – piano
Let us know where the music lands! We’re always happy to hear your thoughts and share your support across our channels and celebrate the music together.
Stream
Also available on all other major streaming services.
Vinyl
Available now on Mustik Motel Webshop & Bandcamp. Pre-orders starts shipping today! Distribution to all well-equipped stores starts today! Please follow our social media for updates!
Kadi Vija – Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic
Eero Savela Debut Album Way To!
In stock
One more thing! If you happen to be in Helsinki this weekend here’s a tip: Kadi Vija is having her very own festival in Herttoniemi. She will be playing the album material live on Saturday 4.10.2025 at Treffi. Go festival and read more at her website: Herttoniemi Jazzfest – Kadi Vija
Album: Kadi Vija – Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic
“Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic” is a vibrant narrative album celebrating the beauty and complexity of a rainbow family. Jazz vocal artist Kadi Vija shares her journey as a social parent, exploring love, connection, and the unique rhythms of family life.
What does friendship look like when the family structure defies convention? How do you build a relationship with a child when traditional roles don’t apply?
Teppo, a child with a bright and curious spirit, invites us into a world of wonder and questions.
Vija and drummer/producer Teppo Mäkynen craft a heartfelt journey through childhood, friendship, and the everyday magic of family beyond conventions.
Recorded at two locations in Helsinki: at Kaapelitehdas between Spring 2023, Fall 2024, Spring 2025 & at Herttoniemi during Summer 2023.
Produced, recorded and mixed by Teppo Mäkynen
Mastered by Jarno Alho
Graphic design by Miiro Seppänen
Photography by Antti Kujala & Miiro Seppänen
Featured Musicians:
Kadi Vija – vocals, synths, hand clap, percussions
Teppo Mäkynen – programming, synths, percussions, hand clap, vibraphone, effects
Teppo Vija – piano
Dance Of The Toys
Today, with the second single out, we’re celebrating the final step toward the full release of Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic. Claim your pre-order vinyl copy and step into this emotionally rich, jazz-rooted celebration of rainbow family life.
STREAM
Also available on all other major streaming services.
VINYL
Available now for pre-order on Mustik Motel Webshop & Bandcamp. Pre-orders starts shipping a few days prior to the album release or at latest as soon as we receive the pressing. Distribution to all well-equipped stores follows same principle. Please follow our social media for store updates!
Private: Kadi Vija – Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic (PRE-ORDER)
Eero Savela Debut Album Way To!
Single: Kadi Vija – Dance Of The Toys
Listen at: SPOTIFY, TIDAL and all other major streaming services!
Buy digital at: Bandcamp
Way To reviews and features
Eero’s debut has been well received! It’s incredible to think that Kulttuuritoimitus awarded the album a five-star rating on the very day it was released!
Read the review by Maria Nyrhinen in Finnish (use Google translate for English version!): Aisteja, älyä ja mielikuvitusta – arviossa Eero Savelan Way To -albumi – Kulttuuritoimitus
Also want to mention One Man’s Jazz from Canada featuring “Phantasm” on the show, around 2h mark:
Fosterchild, Jim Black, Mathieu Donarier & Armaroli/Piccolo/Sharp article @ All About Jazz
Way To is here!
Join us in celebrating the long-awaited debut from trumpeter Eero Savela. An artist whose unmistakable tone has lifted countless acclaimed recordings. With Way To, he steps confidently into the spotlight, revealing a voice that’s entirely his own.
QUOTES
“Savela has composed six strong melodies that clearly place him within the jazz tradition. At times, echoes of Tomasz Stańko’s melancholic spirit emerge, and Savela’s honest, gritty trumpet tone only deepens the impression.”
-Valonkuvia blog – read full review in Finnish: HERE!
“An artistic vision so comprehensive and refined that it occasionally dazzles.”
-Tidens Larm blog – read full review in Swedish 22.8. onwards HERE!
Featured Musicians:
🎺 Eero Savela – trumpet
🎹 Seppo Kantonen – wurlitzer electric piano
🎸 Eero Tikkanen – double bass
🥁 Joonas Leppänen – drums
🎶 Erno Haukkala – trombone (featured on two tracks)
STREAM
Also available on all other major streaming services.
VINYL
Available now on Mustik Motel Webshop & Bandcamp. Pre-orders starts shipping now as well as distribution to all well-equipped stores. Please follow our social media for store updates!
Eero Savela – Way To
Eero Savela Debut Album Way To!
Album: Eero Savela – Way To
Listen at: SPOTIFY, TIDAL and all other major streaming services!
Buy digital at: Bandcamp
Album origins
Sometimes, the universe simply clicks. It was after one of Tahmela Six‘s gigs that Jarno—one half of Mustik Motel—posed a question to Eero: Is it finally time for your debut?
The timing couldn’t have been better. Eero had already begun piecing together material for an album, and Jarno’s encouragement was the spark that set everything in motion. Musicians were gathered, studio time was booked, and the result? A truly timeless record—one that we are thrilled to share with you!
Album info
With Way To, Eero Savela steps forward as a composer and solo artist, shaping a jazz album that is as personal as it is expansive. Every composition on the record is his own, reflecting the sounds he wants to share with audiences—sounds that speak, question, and evolve.
Way To is more than just compositions on paper—it’s a living, breathing dialogue between seasoned musicians. Seppo Kantonen (Wurlitzer electric piano), Joonas Leppänen (drums), Eero Tikkanen (double bass), and guest artist Erno Haukkala (trombone on two tracks) each bring their distinct voices into the mix, elevating the music beyond its initial framework. Their improvisational interplay and musical conversations deepen the album’s essence, creating a rich, evolving soundscape that transforms the listening experience.
Sonically, Way To exists in a space between contemporary jazz and ’70s jazz-funk—melding modern expression with the groove-driven energy of an earlier era. Through this collaboration, Savela not only presents his own compositions—he also uncovers new dimensions within his own sound.
Musicians
Eero Savela (trumpet)
Seppo Kantonen (wurlizer electric piano)
Joonas Leppänen (drums)
Eero Tikkanen (double bass)
Kadi Vija single Big Hands, Deep Voice out now!
Kadi Vija’s forthcoming album first single is out now!
Listen at: SPOTIFY, TIDAL and all other major streaming services!
Buy digital at: Bandcamp
Vinyl will be available upon album release.
Let us know where the music lands! Let’s celebrate the music together!