About
Musical powerhouse PEELA led by guitarist/composer Johannes Granroth present their own take on today's social music.
Infusing jazz, funk, rock, and neo soul, they deliver a performance marked by playful improvisation, catchy melodies, lush harmonies, and groovy rhythms.
With a mix of instrumentals and Maja Mannila's soulful vocals, their music is both nutritious and delicious!
"The playing was astounding, at times impeccably virtuosic. Updating jazz-fusion to this day and age seemed easy as child’s play for them. Bravo!”
-Jyri Ojala, Karjalainen.fi 6 April 2022
Their mutual musical journey began in 2016, birthing their debut album "Layers'' in 2018 and "Stepping Stones'' in 2020.
The singles released during the past year finally culminated in their 3rd album "Notbad" in March, 2024, further elevating their already impressive body of work.
"Beyond the fine playing I was also delighted by the dynamic between the musicians. They seemed to be having fun, and very soon I did as well, even though I don’t consider myself a jazz-person.”
-Heli Kuula, Kulttuurimedia.fi 14.3.2024
After establishing a strong position in the Finnish jazz scene, PEELA has performed at international festivals in Germany and Bulgaria.
Their music serves as a reminder that there is beauty in the world that is worth living for and experiencing together.
Lineup
Guitar - Johannes Granroth
Vocals/Keys - Maja Mannila
Saxophone - Jimi Ahlroos
Drums - Severi Sorjonen
Percussion/Keys - Mikko Antila
Bass - Oliver Karttunen
History
Peela was founded in 2016 by Johannes Granroth, Johan Dahlbo (drs) & Filemon von Numers (bass), who had already been playing together for a few years by then.
The band started taking its form when they started playing original compositions, which is when singer/keyboardist Maja Mannila joined to be part of their first concert under the name Peela. They were all in the same high school "Tölö Gymnasium" in Helsinki at that time.
Johannes first met the original saxophonist Sami Leponiemi in 2015 at the "Pop & Jazz" summer camp in Nakkila. As Sami was moving from Oulu to Helsinki in late 2016, he was asked to “feature in a couple tunes” on a gig, and became a part of the band until he went to Paris for an exchange year in 2022 and was replaced by Jimi Ahlroos.
In 2017, Filemon moved to Sweden to study music, giving the spot to Antti Ahoniemi who played on both debut album "Layers" and EP "Stepping Stones".
Percussionist Jani Lehtioksa also played percussion on their debut album “Layers”, but soon after moved to the Netherlands to study music. Vibrafonist/Percussionist Mikko Antila was then recruited instead.
After meeting drummer Severi Sorjonen, Johannes fell so deeply in love with his playing that Severi ended up on Peela's drum throne in late 2020. Around the same time, Antti left the band, so now Oliver Karttunen in charge of the low end in Peela.
After Sami Leponiemi went to study abroad in 2022 the Saxophone has been handled by Jimi Ahlroos.
The band is actively gigging around Finland and internationally.