Nationality: Finnish
Field of Art: Jazz Guitar
Website: www.ollisoikkeli.com
Born in Nurmes, Finland and based in NYC, Soikkeli was introduced to the music of great Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz, which has been his primary focus since. Olli played in jazz clubs and festivals across Finland, and toured Europe with Sinti Guitarist Paulus Schäfer. While still young, he’s already played with notable artists such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Stochelo Rosenberg, Tommy Emmanuel, Andreas Öberg, Cyrille Aimee, Antti Sarpila and Marian Petrescu.
After move to New York City in 2014. Olli has played legendary venues such as Town Hall, Herbst Theatre, Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note, Iridium and the Lincoln Center.
Olli recorded his first album “Trois Générations” (2011) with Hot Club de Finlande and Vitali Imereli and recorded his second album “Kouvola Junction” (2012) with Paulus Schäfer and Arnoud van den Berg.
Rhythm Future Quartet – co-led by Olli with violinist Jason Anick – released its debut album (2014) followed by ‘Travels’ (2016), receiving rave reviews including Best Albums of 2016 by Huffington Post and All About Jazz magazines. The Fall of 2018 marked the release of their newest album, “Rhythm Future Quartet and Friends”, which features the critically acclaimed singer Cyrille Aimée, brazil’s top bandolimist Hamilton de Holanda, and guitarist Stochelo Rosenberg.
Last few years Olli has been exploring musically. 2017 toured and recorded album ‘Rise and Grind’ together with virtuoso accordionist Julien Labro. 2018 Olli started a duo project with New York based Brasilian 7-string guitarist Cesar Garabini playing mostly Brasilian Choro music. Early 2019 Olli recorded with Grammy award winning pianist Marian Petrescu.