Drummer Markku Ounaskari and pianist Samuli Mikkonen, are among the rare musicians to pour the cultural heritage of their country Finland into contemporary jazz melodies. Having won numerous awards, the duo has taken part in various bands in the world of jazz for over 15 years. Ounaskari and Mikkonen came together to bring their “Kuára” project to life in 2007. Although their band included various musicians through time, a while later they went back to their first times. Their debut album, released through ECM in 2010, evokes deep emotions in listeners full of imagery to where they feel like they are in “a journey through the night”. Having gone on a tour in the US and Europe after winning Finland’s most prestigious award “Emma” with this album, the duo still continues to give successful concerts all around the world.
Markku Ounaskari: Drums
Samuli Mikkonen: Piano