Jukka Perko is a Finnish saxophone player.Jukka Perko’s rapid ascent to international fame began in 1987 when none other than legendary Dizzy Gillespie recruited the fresh nineteen-year-old into his big band.

Perko’s dazzling talent was compared to the young Charlie Parker and won him rave reviews. Since the two years spent with Dizzy’s band, Perko has had a number of bands and has performed in over forty countries.

Powered by his spectacular playing technique, and by mixing traditional jazz with some distinctly Finnish elements, he has earned his place as one of the most celebrated saxophonists of his entire generation.

Jukka Perko is also a sought-after soloist in symphony orchestras and his album of hymn arrangements entitled “Kaanaanmaa” (2002) has sold nearly 25,000 copies in Finland. Besides Dizzy Gillespie Perko has performed with numerous other jazz giants such as McCoy Tyner, Red Rodney and Nils-Henning Ørsted Pedersen to name a few.

Official homepage: www.jukkaperko.com