MOST DEF by LINCHPIN

The musicians Joona Toivanen (piano) and Ebba Westerberg (percussion) have collaborated as the duo Linchpin for several years. They share a joy in improvisation and evocative sounds, as well as percussive interplay, playing with rhythmic shifts and overlays. They both compose music for the group, music that is both minimalist and danceable, often with a Nordic tone and singable melodies.

In the fall of 2021, Linchpin booked a recording session at the acoustically extraordinary Equmenia Church in Floda, Sweden, together with guests Lisen Rylander Löve (saxophone and electronics) and Jonas Franke-Blom (cello). The recording engineer was Åke Linton (the former “fourth member” of E.S.T.). The result is Linchpin's debut album "Most Def," (released on October 13, 2023). The beautiful surroundings around the nature reserve next to the recording venue have left their mark on the album, which is characterized by a strong presence and sensitivity.

Joona Toivanen – piano
Joona Toivanen, a respected jazz pianist and composer, originally from Jyväskylä, Finland and now residing in Lerum, Sweden, has worked in the international music scene for many years in various constellations. His career includes award-winning albums on prestigious record labels like Blue Note, CAM Jazz, and We Jazz. With an impressive list of world tours, Joona was awarded the prestigious Teosto Prize in 2018 and has been nominated multiple times for the Finnish Grammy Awards.

Ebba Westerberg – percussion
The Swedish percussionist Ebba Westerberg's work primarily encompasses jazz and improvisational music, as seen in the quintet Corpo and the duo Linchpin with pianist Joona Toivanen. She is also engaged in theater and dance for her unique blend of traditional and contemporary percussion, most recently in the critically acclaimed production "Carmen with Hindrances." She collaborates with contemporary composers such as Lina Järnegard and the ensemble Dråpera, and in the past year, she has contributed to debut albums by Klara Goliger and Livet Nord.

Joona Toivanen (born 1981) is an award winning Finnish jazz pianist, based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

With his base in Sweden and roots in Finland, Toivanen has been active in the Nordic jazz scene since his late teens. His pianism is lyric and delicate and his technique serves the story in the music all the time. Musically he moves in the boundaries between tradition and avant-garde.

joonatoivanen.com
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