Jari Perkiömäki (b. 1961, Pori) is a Finnish jazz saxophonist, composer and educator who holds a unique place in Finnish music history: he was the country's first jazz master (1989) and first Doctor of Music in jazz (2002), both from the Sibelius Academy. He has led his own ensembles since the early 1980s, performed across Europe, the USA and Australia, and received the Finnish Jazz Federation's top honour, the Yrjö Award, in 2005. Beyond the stage, he served as head of the Sibelius Academy jazz department and as rector of the University of the Arts Helsinki (2015-2020).
Perkiömäki performed as guest soloist with Jazz Jkl Collective at Keuruun jazzklubi, interpreting Dave Brubeck classics and his own compositions.
Perkiömäki completed his five-year term as rector of the University of the Arts Helsinki, ending 30 November 2020.
Perkiömäki released the debut album of his Organic Baritone Quartet on Fredriksson Music, a Hammond organ-driven jazz project inspired by George Benson's ensemble concept.
