Swedish/Finnish pianotrio MIRE III consists of established musicians Toivanen/Markusson/Björklund that together in this format explores both wellknown territory and places seldom heard of.
With open ears and senses, this trio presents music for our time influenced by Scandinavian folk music, jazz and other contemporary styles.
The members has a long-time relationship with each other which gives both a strong fundament but also playfulness and curiousity.
In September 2023 the trio released their first full length album ”Island Song” (CAM Jazz)
MIRE III takes the listener on a journey where every note and rhythm weaves a tapestry of emotions and thoughts, blending tranquility and security with curiosity and creativity. This trio has the ability to guide the listener through a palette of feelings and moods, creating a soundtrack for both reflection and inspiration. With individual musicians boasting impressive international credentials, MIRE III delivers an enchanting ensemble of melodic original music. Their soundscape is rooted in a modern jazz tradition, incorporating influences from folk music and contemporary art music.
Joona Toivanen – A respected jazz pianist and composer originally from Jyväskylä, Finland, and now residing in Lerum, has long been active on the international music scene in various formations. His career includes award-winning albums under prestigious labels such as Blue Note, CAM Jazz, and We Jazz. With an impressive track record of touring worldwide, Joona was awarded the prestigious Teosto Prize in 2018 and has been nominated multiple times for Finnish Grammys.
Thomas Markusson – With a music career spanning over 25 years, he has established himself as a significant figure in the Swedish and international music scenes. As both a sideman and bandleader, he has collaborated with a range of prominent artists, including jazz icons like Lee Konitz and Walter Lang.
Johan Björklund – A dynamic drummer with impressive versatility. His roles as bandleader, composer, and educator have contributed to a rich and multifaceted career. His musical influence spans various genres and borders, and he has collaborated with a variety of projects and artists, including Thymeshift, Emil Bishara, Hilmar Jensson, and Björn Almgren.
”Jazz is a restless music that moves ever on, sometimes seemingly impatient of its own past. MIRE III is a superb improvising trio that manages to balance innovation and history in equal measures, creating a consistent musical mood round ideas of change, emergence, maturity, self-sufficiency and proper but not slavish respect for past achievements. Island Song, the trio’s new album on CAM JAZZ, will not remind you of any of the jazz greats, but it will make you aware of them, even as it unfolds its own wings and takes flight. Pianist Joona Toivanen, bassist Thomas Markusson and drummer Johan Björklund inhabit a compelling musical atmosphere that doesn’t rely on shallow eclecticism to make its impact. This is music that has emerged fully formed into the sun of the present.”
– Brian Morton
”In Toivanen’s music, the uppermost layer is often a slightly minimalist ear-pleasing gentleness and softness, and much of the same delicacy is on offer now.”
Jazzpossu – Pasi Virtanen
”A trio of extraordinary cohesion that allows itself a little more singing sliver, but not in style, and almost nothing that leads back to the somewhat tired form of ”Nordic jazz”. Here there is improvisation and interplay in the wake, we would say, of Paul Bley’s best intuitions.”
– Ilmanifesto
Musicians
Johan Björklund – drums
Thomas Markusson – double bass
Joona Toivanen – piano
Riders
MIRE III Technical rider and stageplot