Member introductions:


Arttu Takalo has mastered a wide selection of percussion instruments in addition to his main instrument, a midied vibraphone. Takalo is just as creative with samplers as with writing for, or performing with chamber ensembles and is often called for top pop/rock sessions as a vibes player or an arranger (Samuli Edelman, Mikko Kuustonen, Egotrippi). His background as an orchestral percussionist led him into writing his first symphony orchestra work "Pimeä puoli" (The Dark Half, 1996-97).


Guitarist Jarmo Saari has a convincing past as a band leader with wide array of groups. Saari co-leads the adventurous world-jazz group ZetaBoo ("ZetaBoo", Texicalli 1997, featuring Nils Landgren) as well as an ambitious electronica duo Reuna (a debut album coming out in the future). He seems as comfortable and unique playing with the UMO Jazz Orchestra (new albums out on Naxos and A-Records) or performing as a sideman with Perko Pyysalo Poppoo ("Uuno Kailas, Vesa-Matti Loiri and Perko Pyysalo Poppoo", Ondine Octopus 1995) or the hugely popular domestic rock act Don Huonot ("Tähti", BMG Terrier 1999). Along with chamber music, he has written a vast amount of big band scores, the latest being a suite "Neandertal grooves" for Espoo Big Band and Trilok Gurtu.


Tuure Koski is one of Finland`s most respected jazz bass players. Koski has a masters degree from the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department, Helsinki and has an excellent touch on both the acoustic and the electric bass. Groups such as Mr. Fonebone and Manuel Dunkel Quartet (Manuel Dunkel Quartet, Texicalli Impala 1998) rely heavily on his inventive bass playing that reflects strong harmonic and communicational skills.


Tomi Salesvuo is a highly versatile drummer with a rare capability to handle drum set, electric gear and percussion instruments with finesse as heard and witnessed on XL albums and performances. Salesvuo also co-leads a modern, souljazz organ trio Bittersweet (a debut album coming out, featuring Wayne Krantz), which hosts one of the hippest, groovy jazz clubs in Helsinki (Rytmihäiriö). He, as well as the rest of XL members, has done remarkable work as an educator and worked with dozens of top international musicians of many genres both in Finland and elsewhere.

Despite the rich backgrounds of its players, XL is chiefly a solid team, that aims for rich, united sound. The band has a reputation as a band with highly visual performances, that have featured guest artists such as Raoul Björkenheim (gtr.), Pekka Pohjola (bs.), Anna-Mari Kähärä (voc.), Sonny Heinilä (sax.), Mongo Aaltonen (perc.), Mikko Luoma (acc.), Petri Keskitalo (tuba), Kie von Hertzen (gtr.), Anssi Nykänen (drs.), Mitja Tuurala (bs.), UMO Jazz Orchestra and the 10 piece XL strings, just to name a few.

Finally, as You may have noticed, XL is an ambitious band that really wants to make a difference.