AILI IKONEN
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August 1, 2026 Aili Ikonen & Oona Airola: Elojazz, Oulu
August 16. Aili Ikonen Trio: Vantaa Summer Stage Tikkurila
September 5, 2026 Aili Ikonen & Jukka Perko: Klasstet, Tyrvää Jazz, Sastamala
October 7, 2026 Aili Ikonen, Malmitalo, Helsinki
October 11. Ikoset: Background Story Club, Oulu Cathedral
October 23, 2026 Aili Ikonen & Jukka Perko: Klasstet, Tikkurila Church, Vantaa
October 26, 2026 Ikoset: Songs of the Pike, Alexander Theatre, Helsinki
October 28, 2026, Ikoset: Sellosali, Espoo
October 31, 2026, Ikoset: Hyvinkää Hall, Hyvinkää
The charismatic singer Aili Ikonen is known for her voice, which draws listeners in and holds their attention.
Ikonen, who has also built a distinguished career as a composer, draws inspiration from jazz, the singer-songwriter tradition, folk music, and cinematic atmospheres. In 2025, Ikonen was awarded the Yrjö Prize from the Finnish Jazz Federation, one of the most prestigious honors in the jazz world.
Aili Ikonen has released five solo albums: *Laulan* (2016), *Piirrä minut* (2017), *Suru ei oo suora viiva* (2020), *Helposti palavaa* (2023), and *Valo* (2024), recorded with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra. In the spring of 2026, Ikose will release four new songs.
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Over the course of her career, which has spanned more than 20 years, Aili Ikonen has performed songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Finnish jazz standards, and lyrics written especially for her by Hector, and has become known for her work with bands that explore various genres of music, such as Aili Ikonen & Jukka Perko: Klasstet, Herd & Aili Ikonen, and Kvalda.
She has also performed with UMO, the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the Norrbotten Big Band, and the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra. Ikonen’s soulful performances and skillful scat singing have also been featured at the President’s Independence Day Reception.
In addition to his own solo work, Ikonen regularly composes music and writes lyrics for, among others, the Rajaton vocal ensemble, of which he has been a member since 2018.
Ikonen has served as the artistic director of the Oulu Elojazz Festival since 2024. In 2021, the songbook *Aili Ikonen Songbook – Nuori vapaa nainen* was also published.
"Rarely do you hear such an arrestingly perfect opening track as jazz singer Aili Ikonen's Piirrä minut album Että näkisin sinut taas. It makes it clear once again that there is no need to skimp on superlatives when it comes to Ikonen's vocals."
– Etelä-Suomen Sanomat / Jusa Hämäläinen 16.10.2017
"Thus, thoughtful, sophisticated and timeless vocal jazz is heard, in which Ikonen, arguably a great vocalist, looms as the main star, although the band rises nicely to support both the drama of the songs and the more arresting moods."
— Soundi, Niko Peltonen 9/2020
Watch the latest video
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1. Valo
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, arr. Sampo Kasurinen
2. Läpi harmaan sumun
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, arr. Jaakko Kuusisto
3. Luonasi sun
compos. Michel Legrand, fin. by Hector, dir. Jaakko Kuusisto
4. Toivo
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, dir. Mikko Hassinen
5. Syli
compos. Aili Ikonen, Mikko Pellinen, lyrics. Aili Ikonen, arr. Mikko Hassinen
6. Pariisi (Song for Grandma)
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, sop. Mikko Hassinen
7. Piirrä minut
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, sop. Mikko Pellinen
8.Että näkisin sinut taas
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, sop. Mikko Pellinen
9. Armaalle
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, sop. Jaakko Kuusisto
10. Katselen taivaalta
compos. & lyrics. Aili Ikonen, sop. Mikko Pellinen
11. Kotkan poikii ilman siipii
compos. & lyrics. Juha Vainio, arr. Mikko PellinenOulu Sinfonia
Rumon Gamba - Conductor
Aili Ikonen - Vocals
Tuomas J. Turunen - Piano
Mikko Pellinen - Double Bass
Mikko Arlin - Drums
William Suvanne - Saxophone (4)
Janne Toivonen - Trumpet (10)
Pekka Kuusisto - Violin (11)Recording by Miikka Huttunen, Matti Heinonen, Sofia Riippi (Madetojan hall & Sonic Pump Studios)
Mixing by Miikka Huttunen
Mastering by Tommi Vainikainen
Producers Aili Ikonen, Mikko Pellinen, Janne Toivonen
Photos and covers - Tero Ahonen
Muah - Riia Koivisto
Style assistant - Reetta KorhonenLaulan Music
On the album Valo, Ikonen's songs meet the power of a large orchestra. Valo is a musical mosaic full of the living, breathing sound of a magnificent orchestra, in which Ikonen's previously recorded songs are refined into a completely new entity. Mikko Pellinen, Mikko Hassinen, Sampo Kasurinen, and the late Jaakko Kuusisto, who was a strong contributor to the creation of the whole, are responsible for the orchestral arrangements on the album.
Discography
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1. Alku
2. Juosta
3. Hehku
4. Pariisi (Laulu isoäidille)
5. Häälaulu
6. Miehen kylkiluu
7. Perhonen
8. Kauniisti kadoksissa
9. Peilikuva
10. TunteetCompositions and lyrics by Aili Ikonen, except (2, 5) säv. Aili Ikonen and Mikko Pellinen, san. Aili Ikonen. Arrangements by Mikko Pellinen.
Aili Ikonen – vocals, violin (5, 7)
Janne Toivonen – trumpet, flugelhorn
William Suvanne – saxophones
Tuomas J. Turunen – piano
Mikko Pellinen – double bass, organ (5), harmonium (5, 7), ukulele bass (6), percussion (6)
Mikko Arlin – drums, percussionSeela Sella – spoken word (2)
Tuuli Ikonen – vocals (2, 5)
Heini Ikonen – vocals (2, 5)
Jussi Chydenius – vocals (5)
Salla Hakkola – harp (1, 5, 9, 10)Recording, mixing and programming -Joonas Saikkonen
Producers - Aili Ikonen and Mikko Pellinen
Assistant producer - Joonas Saikkonen
Mastering - Jarno Alho / Alho Audio MasteringPhotos - Heli Blåfield
Album covers - Sanna Turunen
Layout - Annette Tamminen
Make-up and hair - Riia KoivistoLaulan Music
An album of organic pop music with jazz spices. The album deals with the perception of one's own place in this time, in different roles – as a person, as a woman, as part of society and a larger continuum. The name "easily burning" refers, on the one hand, to the blink-of-an brevity of life and, on the other hand, to reflections on one's own limits; To what extent should you stretch your limits and how do you live your own life with a bright flame without burning out?
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1. Valo
2. Pisaroita pihlajassa
3. Läpi harmaan sumun
4. Kevät
5. Ja minä sinua
6. Sininen viitta
7. Sanat
8. Toivo
9. Sinuun minä nojaan
10. Kuuntelen kuinka puut puhuvatCompositions and lyrics by Aili Ikonen, except (9, 10) säv. Aili Ikonen & Mikko Pellinen, san. Aili Ikonen. Arrangements by Mikko Pellinen.
Aili Ikonen - vocals, violin (10)
Janne Toivonen - trumpet and flugelhorn
William Suvanne - saxophones, flute and clarinet
Tuomas J. Turunen - piano, harmonium (10)
Mikko Pellinen - double bass
Mikko Arlin - drums and percussion
Juho Kanervo - cello (1, 9)Recording - Miikka Huttunen / Finnvox
Mixing - Miikka Huttunen / Sonic Pump Studios
Mastering - Svante Forsbäck / Chartmakers
Photos - Heli Blåfield
Covers - Sanna Turunen
Make-up and hair - Riia KoivistoGroovy Records
The album explores themes of comfort, trust, renunciation and surrender to life. In the songs, light and shadow alternate, as well as the transitional space between them, in which colors mix.
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1. Kun oot vierelläin
2. Rakastunut jokainen
3. Mielen tuulimyllyt
4. Eilen kun mä tiennyt en
5. Luonasi sun
6. Molemmilta puolilta
7. I think it’s going to rain todayAili Ikonen - vocals
Jukka Perko - saxophones
Teemu Viinikainen - acoustic guitar
Jarmo Saari - electric guitarRecording and mixing - Kimmo Antikainen / Kallio-Kuninkala / Matrixtor Music Studio
Mastering - Svante Forsbäck / Chartmakers
Album cover - Pekka Tuppurainen
Photos - Maarit KytöharjuLevypallo Oy
Aili Ikonen and Jukka Perko Avara joined forces for the first time on the album Laulu unfinished, released in April 2019, inspired by the handiwork of legendary songwriters of the 1960s. The nostalgic tunes are given a new life on the album as fresh translations, most of which were written by Hector, the great man of Finnish pop lyricism.
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1. Että näkisin sinut taas
2. Piirrä minut
3. Nuori vapaa nainen
4. Yöllä
5. Laulu merestä
6. Syli
7. Tää ei voi odottaa
8. Katselen taivaalta
9. ArmaalleCompositions and lyrics by Aili Ikonen, except (3) säv. & san. Aili Ikonen & Mikko Pellinen and (6) säv. Aili Ikonen & Mikko Pellinen, san. Aili Ikonen.
All arrangements by Mikko Pellinen, except (9) Aili Ikonen.Aili Ikonen - vocals, violin (6)
Janne Toivonen - trumpet and flugelhorn
William Suvanne, - saxophones, flute and clarinet
Tuomas J. Turunen - piano
Mikko Pellinen - double bass
Mikko Arlin - drums and percussion
Maija Linkola - violin (1, 5, 8)
Laura Airola - violin (1, 5, 8)
Rémi Moingeon - viola (1, 5, 8)
Riikka Lampinen - cello (1, 5, 8)Recording and mixing - Kimmo Antikainen / Kallio-Kuninkala
Mastering - Svante Forsbäck / Chartmakers
Photos and cover design - Tero AhonenGroovy Records
Songs about fleeting moments, sleepless nights, frantic thirst and colors mixed with water.
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1. Kesälle (säv. & san. Aili Ikonen, sov. Mikko Pellinen)
2. Laulan (säv. A. Ikonen, san. Kanerva Pasanen, sov. M.Pellinen)
3. Uskon unelmiin (säv. & san. A. Ikonen, sov. M.Pellinen)
4. Raapaisit pintaa (säv. M.Pellinen, san. Timo Kiiskinen, sov. M.Pellinen)
5. Haloo haloo (säv. M. Pellinen, san. Kanerva Pasanen, sov. M.Pellinen)
6. Höyhen (säv. M.Pellinen, san. Aili Ikonen, sov. M.Pellinen)
7. Luonasi sun (What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?) (säv. Michel Legrand, suom. Hector, sov. M.Pellinen)
8. Pussi ja passi (A-Tisket A-Tasket, säv. Van Alexander / Ella Fitzgerald, suom. Timo Kiiskinen, sov. M.Pellinen)
9. Nostat mua (säv. M. Pellinen, san. Timo Kiiskinen, sov. M.Pellinen)
10. Sahara (säv. M. Pellinen, san. Heidi Maria Paalanen, sov. M.Pellinen)
11. Beibin blues (säv. & san. Aili Ikonen, sov. M.Pellinen)Aili Ikonen - vocals
Janne Toivonen - trumpet and flugelhorn
William Suvanne - saxophones and flute
Tuomas J. Turunen - piano
Mikko Pellinen - double bass
Mikko Arlin - drums and congas
Ikonen's sisters - Aili, Tuuli and Heini Ikonen, vocals (4)Recording - Tommi Vainikainen / Finnvox / February 2016
Mixing: - Tommi Vainikainen / MusicWorks
Mastering - Jaakko Viitalähde / Virtalähde Mastering
Photos and cover design - Tero AhonenGroovy Records
My first solo album, inspired by the American jazz tradition of the 50s and Finnish jazz music.
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1. Älä minua (säv. & san Vesa Norilo)
2. Tyttö itki (säv. Milla Viljamaa, san. Milla Viljamaa/trad.)
3. Liikaa (säv. & san Vesa Norilo)
4. Yön kämmenellä (säv. Milla Viljamaa, san. Aila Meriluoto)
5. Päivätär (säv. Aili Ikonen, san. Aili Ikonen/trad.)
6. Kuutar (säv. & san Vesa Norilo)
7. Ilman impi (säv. & san Vesa Norilo)
8. Keinu (säv. & san Milla Viljamaa)
9. Edelin uni (säv. & san Vesa Norilo)
10. Musta perhonen (säv. Milla Viljamaa, san. Milla Viljamaa/trad)
11. Mataloita maita kuljin (säv. & san Milla Viljamaa)Aili Ikonen – vocals, violin
Milla Viljamaa – piano
Vesa Norilo – cello, wood flute
Sara Puljula – percussion
Pekka Kuusisto – violin, viola (4,9,10,11)Recording - Mikko Oinonen / Finnvox and Vesa Norilo / Sibelius Academy
Mixing and mastering - Vesa Norilo
Cover art - Jari Paananen
Cover design - Pekka TuppurainenGroovy Records
Hereä’s second album was done persistently and it paid off. Veden värit received a nomination for the 2017 Finnish Grammys, Emma, in the Category of Folk Music.
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1. How high the moon (M.Lewis/N.Hamilton)
2. What is this thing called love (C.Porter )
3. Little jazz (R. Eldridge)
4. Love for sale (C.Porter )
5. In a sentimental mood (D.Ellington/I.Mills&M.Kurtz)
6. They can't take that away from me (G.Gershwin&I.Gershwin)
7. Night in Tunisia (D.Gillespie&F.Paparelli)
8. The man I love (G.Gershwin/I.Gershwin)Aili Ikonen - vocals
Mikko Pellinen - bass and arrangements
Janne Toivonen - trumpet and flugelhorn
William Suvanne - saxophones and flute
Tuomas J. Turunen - piano
Mikko Arlin - drumsRecorded at Midas studios on 23.9.12012 / Anders Höglund.
Mixing - Tommi Vainikainen
Mastering - Jaakko ViitalähdeFredriksson Music
The album is dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald, one of the best and most famous jazz singers of all time.
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1. Oglütz (Outi Tarkiainen)
2. Arco Íris (Christian Spering/Outi Tarkiainen, lyrics Mirja Mäkelä)
3. Contemplations (Outi Tarkiainen)
4. Freedom Surrendered (Outi Tarkiainen, lyrics Sirkka Turkka)
5. Cayo Coco (Tero Saarti/Mikko Pettinen/Outi Tarkiainen)
6. Thus the Fairies Disappear (Outi Tarkiainen)
7. Into the Woodland Silence (Outi Tarkiainen, lyrics Eeva-Liisa Manner/Sirkka Turkka)
8. Mörkö (Bugbear) (Mirja Mäkelä/Outi Tarkiainen)Norrbotten Big Band
Outi Tarkiainen - conductor and compositions
Aili Ikonen - vocalsFredriksson Music
Outi and I got to know each other during my studies at the Sibelius Academy's jazz music department, when I sang in the ensemble founded by Outi. Many years and many experiences later, we found ourselves on a plane on our way to northern Sweden and the Norrbotten Big Band, with whom we did a memorable tour of Sweden and later also an album. Outi's compositions have presented me with many developmental challenges as a singer. I am very grateful to have been able to work and make friends with Outi.
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1. Sons (trad, san. Sauk)
2. Jazz Bacilli (Horace Silver) Kari Tuomisaari)
3. Light in the window (Eino Hurme, san. Sauk)
4. The Whims of the Maiden (Domenigo Montugno) Sauk)
5. I could have danced all night (Alan Lerner/Frederick Loewe) Sauk)
6. The eagle calves without wings (Junnu Vainio, sov. Aili Ikonen)
7. In the evening, in the evening (Sandro Taccani)
8. The Chocolate Heart (enc. G. Clarkson/H. Clarkson/Siegmann) Sauk)
9. Do you remember Monrepos (säv. Erik Lindström, San. Aili Runne)
10. Telephone wires sing (säv. Pentti Viherluoto, san. Harry South)
11. Who has gold, for luck (Richard Adler/Robert Allen)Aili Ikonen - vocals
Panu Savolainen - vibraphone
Mikko Pellinen - double bass
Tuomas Timonen - drumsRecorded and mixed in Kallio-Kuninkala, Järvenpää, Finland in June-July 2013.
Recording and mixing - Kimmo Antikainen
Mastering - Jaakko Viitalähde / Virtalähde MasteringBeaver Music
In 2012, HERD's Panu, Mikko and Tuomas asked me to be a guest at their jazz club. We quickly found common ground on the jazz theme. However, no one guessed at that point that this single gig would first lead to an album in 2013 and finally to a truly memorable period of a year and a half as we plowed the Finnish festival map for about 50 gigs. Important memories and wonderful guys, as well as Sublime's Pia Kuisma, who kept us on the line with her gentle but confident grip. Thanks to this album, I also got to know the wonderful and luminous Vieno Kekkonen!
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1. You Have Won the Day (Jori Huhtala)
2. Blindfold (Aili Ikonen)
3. Mrs. T (Jori Huhtala)
4. Taken to the clouds (säv. Antti Kujanpää, san. Aili Ikonen)
5. Sailor (Aili Ikonen)
6. Waltz (säv. Antti Kujanpää, san. Aili Ikonen)
7. Odyssey (verse) Antti Kujanpää, san. Aili Ikonen)
8. Her Hour (Jori Huhtala)
9. Ante Meridiem Antti Kujanpää, san. Aili Ikonen)
10. Crystal (Hanne Pulli)Aili Ikonen - vocals
Antti Kujanpää - piano
Jori Huhtala - bass
Hanne Pulli - drumsRecording - Kallio-Kuninkala Järvenpää / Tommi Vainikainen
Mixing - MusicWorks Studio / Tommi Vainikainen
Mastering - Kuu Laboratories / Tommi Vainikainen and Antti KujanpääMoon Records
My longest-serving jazz ensemble, Kvalda, celebrated its tenth anniversary with the release of their third full-length album.
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Aili Ikonen - vocals
Hannu Oskala - accordion
Petri Kivimäki - guitar
Arttu Kataja - keyboards
Tero Tuovinen - bass
Pekka Saarikorpi - drums, percussionTexicalli Records
The third full-length album by a Finnish pop group combining different musical styles, such as jazz, soul and folk music.
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Aili Ikonen - vocals
Antti Kujanpää - piano
Jori Huhtala - bass
Hanne Pulli - drumsRecording - Kallio-Kuninkala Järvenpää / Tommi Vainikainen
Mixing - MusicWorks Studio / Tommi VainikainenTexicalli Records
Kvalda’s second album.
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Aili Ikonen – vocals, violin
Milla Viljamaa – piano
Vesa Norilo – cello, wood flute
Sara Puljula – percussionPlastinka Records
Hereä's debut album.
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Aili Ikonen - vocals
Antti Kujanpää - piano
Jori Huhtala - bass
Hanne Pulli - drumsRecording and mixing - Jyväskylä Vocational College Conservatory Studio / Sami Varvikko
Self-published
Kvalda's debut album and at the same time my first recording.
"Basically the best vocalist we've had by a fair amount', is how my notes read, no small thing given the much-promoted appearances of [Mari] Boine and [Hanne] Hukkelberg."
– AllAboutJazz.com @ Varangerfestivalen 2007 / Mark Sabbatini
"The musicians' reaction to each other, the human sounds and the beautiful lyrics make Suru ei oo suora viiva the number one comfort album this fall."
— Helsingin Sanomat / Mari Koppinen 10.10.2020