Trio Töykeät, formely sometimes also known as The Rotten Jazztrio, was formed in 1988 by pianist Iiro Rantala and drummer Rami Eskelinen, who were then 18 and 20 years of age. After teaming up with a highly professional bass player, Eerik Siikasaari, their career took off. They were awarded the first prize at the Hoilaart International Jazz Contest in 1988 in Belgium. In Finland where jazz has strong following and its musicians are respected, their first recording in 1990 Päivää on the Sonet label featuring the American tenor sax player Rick Margitza became the best selling jazz album of the year. The same album supplemented with a couple of new tracks, including the Trio's version of Giant Steps, was released internationally in 1993 with the new title G'day in the Verve/Emarcy label (EMARCY 518 453-2).

Like many things, ideas and individuals in Finland, the music of Trio Töykeät is inspired and informed by the country's landscape, lakes and serenity. Important too. Finland's folkmusic and love of the waltz and tango have provided a basis for the integration of Latin rhythms in to the Trio's Nordic compositions.



The Trio Töykeät's musical dynamism and virtuosity have attracted wide acclaim from diverse audiences around the world. The Trio TÖykeät performed at the Mexico International Jazz Festival in 1989 and in 1991 palyed in Havana, Cuba, in Paris (with the Espoo Big Band), in Tallin, Estonia, and in Switzerland. In 1992 they performed in Greece with Lonnie Plaxico. Trio Töykeät is also a regular performer at the Pori and Espoo International Jazz Festivals in Finland. In January 1993 Trio Töykeät performed in Melbourne, Australia at the Multicultural Folkfest, as well as at the prominent jazz venues, resulting in their featured "live" recording on the "Hot Food Cool Jazz" compilationCD, which sold over 30.000 copies. At the July 1993 Peruga Umbrio Jazz Festival in Italy the Trio was overwhelmingly received with th a standing ovation. In 1994 the Trio played a five-week Australian tour covering seven capital cities and three major festivals, and performed in England, France, Italy, Germany, Singapore and Estonia. In Finland they played at all major jazz festivals including three shows at the Pori International Jazz Festival in July. In 1995 Trio Töykeät played April Jazz and Pori Jazz in Finland and in the Autumn they performed in Germany and China. Another Australian tour is scheduled for February-March 1996, whoch will also include New Zealand and other SE Asian stops like Thailand and Hong Kong.

From 1990 to 1993, Trio Töykeät worked mainly in New York City, where Iiro Rantala and Rami Eskelinen studied at the Manhattan School of Music. In NYC Trio Töykeät played in several jazz clubs, including Sweet Basil, Visiones and Village Gate, and were joined at times e.g. Ronnie Cuberm, Harvey Schwartz and Mark Egan. American trumpet player Lew Soloff has played many gigs as a soloist with the Trio. In the spring of 1993 Trio Töykeät was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador by the Finnish UNICEF Commitee.