Juki Intermediate Pack is an extremely rare phenomenon in Finland, male jazz singer.
He has won the critics' polls of Jazzrytmit magazine in 1996-99 and 2001-2003, the latter by a landslide: the man collected more than twice the number of votes compared to the second-placed male singer.
Välipakka masters many aspects of jazz singing with mastery. He delivers scat solos, nuanced moods, falsetto singing and various vocal improvisations. Thanks to his wide range of expertise, he is more than just a jazz singer: he has made dance theatre music and rhythm & blues (also as a harmonica player and guitarist). Välipakka's Karhu on Ad Lib Quintet's Jump album is a yoik-influenced composition, and he has also dabbled in ambient/ethno-type vocal improvisation with British guitarist Jason Carter.
Juki & Round 5
Round 5, led by Juki Välipakka, offers smooth, calm, clear and serene, and sometimes even faster, good jazz. The program consists of both standards and Välipakka's own compositions. The music includes both lyrical melody and fast-paced swing numbers.
Has made two albums with his own trio Riitta Paakki As a pianist, he brilliantly supports Välipakka's interpretations. In just a few years, Antti Lötjönen has risen to the top of our bassists and plays in, among others, the Ilmiliekki Quartet, which was chosen as the Finland Festivals' Young Artist of the Year in 2004. Joonas Riipan The drumming is subtle and he plays with great sensitivity. So it's no wonder that this young drummer can be heard in many different bands these days. Tuomo Dahlblom is a versatile guitarist who can master all possible styles, and he brings a lot of solo power to Round 5's playing.
