Home » Jazz Musicians » Saku Mantere
Saku Mantere
Saku Mantere is a Finnish-born, Montréal-based jazz vocalist and composer, whose music explores the borderlands between jazz, poetry, and storytelling. His debut album Upon First Impression (2022, Orchard of Pomegranates) received acclaim for its narrative lyricism, stylistic range, and elegant arrangements. Mantere’s supple, story-driven vocal style has drawn comparisons to Kurt Elling and Leonard Cohen, balancing jazz phrasing with singer-songwriter intimacy. With Divine Apology, Mantere continues to chart an original path in vocal jazz, connecting personal narrative with musical exploration.
Awards
Semifinalist, International Songwriting Competition, 2022.
Tags
"Beautiful and sensitive vocals..." - JazzRytmit
"Mantere’s originals are amazing... Mantere’s music is superb." - WholeNote
"...vibrant, dynamic, focused..." - Ivan Rod
"Mantere's rich voice resonates in these songs about heartbreak..." - Midwest Book Review
"Une voix elegante..." - SortiesJAZZnights.com
“Spacious melodic arcs, the layered sound of a large ensemble and breath of influences coalesce into a multidimensional first impression.” - Turun Sanomat
Ayelet Rose Gottlieb
vocals
Raoul Bjorkenheim
guitar
Frank Sinatra
vocals
John Coltrane
saxophone
Kurt Elling
vocals
Brad Mehldau
piano
Jussi Lampela
composer / conductor
King Crimson
band / ensemble / orchestra
Peter Gabriel
vocalsPhotos
Music
Building You, Building Me
From: Upon First ImpressionBy Saku Mantere
