Piirpauke in Helsinki

Piirpauke is a Finnish ensemble formed in Helsinki in 1974 by saxophonist and flautist Sakari Kukko. The group plays folk-rooted jazz and progressive rock, drawing material from musical traditions beyond Finland. Its best-known recording is “Konevitsan kirkonkellot,” an arrangement of a Karelian folk melody included on the self-titled debut album. Pori Jazz has hosted Piirpauke during a performance history extending back to the 1970s. Sakari Kukko has led changing multinational lineups in clubs, concert halls and at festivals, using improvisation to expand the group’s folk themes. He leads the concerts on saxophones and flute, the instruments at the center of Piirpauke’s work.