HEIKKI SARMANTO
New Hope Jazz Mass CD

“The pianist’s shamanic 1979 Finno-American project, reissued on CD, melds gospel with Finnish tropes and the modal potency of Coltrane” – Michael Tucker / Jazz Journal

“Overall, this is an absolute classic European Jazz album, in every sense, and an iconic Finish Jazz recording, which deserves to be a part of every serious Jazz collection. For those blissfully ignorant as of its existence, now after reading my words you have absolutely no excuse but to get a copy.” Adam Baruch / Soundtrack Of My Life

Heikki Sarmanto (b. 1939) is a renowned finnish pianist/composer, active since the early 60’s. He has appeared internationally with Art Farmer, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Mariano and Ben Webster, amongst others. 

Jazzaggression records presents the second day takes of the acclaimed 1978 New Hope Jazz Mass recordings from Helsinki Finland, newly remastered and never before released, features soloist variation and a performance believed to be better than the original 1978 publication on FINLANDIA records. Featuring Heikki Sarmanto, Seppo Paakkunainen, Pekka Pöyry, Esko Rosnell, Pekka Sarmanto, Maija Hapuoja, Gregg Smith Vocal Quartet and Long Island Symphonic Choral Association.

Heikki Sarmanto premiered the New Hope Jazz mass in May 1978, first at the Ward Melville High School in Long Island and then for the official premiere at St. Peter’s on the Sunday. Autumn the same year three concerts would be held at the Temppeliaukio Church, (also known as the Church of the Rock) is a Lutheran church, an architectural wonder built into the landmass and rocks in the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 61, and built in 69.
 
Read the whole story in our online article about the New Hope Jazz mass concerts held in NYC and Helsinki 78.