HERD Panu Savolainen, vibraphone Mikko Pellinen, bass Tuomas Timonen, drums The awarded trio HERD is one of the most potent newcomers in the Finnish jazz scene recently. A local live favourite for already a couple of years, ”HERD Live!!” marks their welcome debut on record. The eight-track album was recorded live in February during the band’s tour produced by the Finnish Jazz Federation. As the resulting recording goes to show, the stage is where this young combo really shines. HERD includes vibes man Panu Savolainen, bass player Mikko Pellinen and drummer Tuomas Timonen, each of whom rank among the top jazz talent in Finland these days. The trio has formed a remarkably unified band sound thanks to their extensive gig schedule lately, a fact which was also noted by the jury of the prestigious ”European Jazz Competition” at the North Sea Jazz festival. HERD went home with the first prize of the competition’s 2011 edition. Additionally, HERD s...