Helsinki

July 2025

Helsinki,
Immersed in the Finnish archives

After a first meeting with the heads of Finnish radio and television, it was in July 2025 that we were finally able to listen to about a dozen original tapes. From them would come four extraordinary albums that had remained unreleased until today: John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oscar Peterson!

The Finnish treasures

Tape No. 1

Tape No. 1

JOHN COLTRANE

LIVE IN FINLAND 1961 • 1962

For many years we dreamed of discovering an unreleased recording by John Coltrane. It took nearly eight years and countless efforts for that dream to come true. 1961 and 1962 were probably the most important years in Trane’s career: he was accompanied at that time by McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Eric Dolphy — his lifelong friend, who tragically passed away in 1964. These recordings are true historic moments, and the version of “My Favorite Things” performed at the Helsinki Kulttuuritalo is without a doubt one of the greatest ever recorded.

Discover this artist

Tape No. 1

Tape No. 1

Miles Davis

LIVE IN HELSINKI • BERLIN 1964

For any music enthusiast, it's pretty unimaginable to one day discover a previously unreleased Miles Davis' recording. After finding the missing track from the legendary 1960 Olympia concert, we've exceeded all our expectations by discovering this recording of extraordinary musical and sonic quality from Miles' second great quintet alongside Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams in 1964 in Helsinki. From the very first notes ofAutumn Leaves, everyone will understand that this release is a true treasure. We have chosen to combine this concert with the 1964 Berlin Jazztage recording, never before released in its entirety on vinyl as well...

Discover this artist

Tape No. 1

Tape No. 1

OSCAR PETERSON TRIO

LIVE IN FINLAND 1963 • 1965

Even today, there is not a single pianist, from any tradition, who is not captivated by Oscar Peterson's playing. The list is endless, but it includes Herbie Hancock, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Ray Charles, as well as Lalo Schifrin, Friedrich Gulda, and Glenn Gould. The shock of my first encounter with Peterson was of the same order as the one I felt upon discovering Horowitz: the radiant beauty of their tone, the infinite range of their tonal palette, the quality of their legato, the exquisite refinement of their virtuosity, a mastery of polyphony that turns their piano into a veritable orchestra. All of this in the service of a profound musical soul. All of this leaves us convinced that the expressive power of music reaches beyond that of words. These two concerts by the Oscar Peterson Trio in Helsinki, graced by extraordinary recording quality and released here for the first time, are no exception: this exceptional album is yet another gem added to the glory of one of the most legendary trios of all time.

Discover this artist
Delivered from 03/07/26 SAPPHIRE EDITION® OSCAR PETERSON TRIO LIVE IN FINLAND 1963 • 1965 118€
Delivered from 03/07/26 DOUBLE VINYL OSCAR PETERSON TRIO LIVE IN FINLAND 1963 • 1965 68€

Tape No. 4

Tape No. 4

ELLA FITZGERALD

LIVE IN HELSINKI 1963 • 1965

Discovering a previously unreleased recording by Ella Fitzgerald is always an indescribable thrill. This new release once again demonstrates Ella’s divine talent. How is it possible to shine at such a level so consistently? How can an artist's creative spirit remain in such perpetual effervescence? Ella is not only capable of virtually anything vocally—she possesses the rare gift of instant reinvention. This is evident in the two versions of “Georgiaon My Mind” recorded live just hours apart, each so different and equally irresistible. We have chosen to bring together the three sets she performed in Helsinki in 1963 and 1965. From Gershwin to the Beatles, by way of Brazilian music, these three recordings—never before released on a record—stand as yet another monument to the glory of the First Lady of Jazz.

Discover this artist