Petter I Pankinaho is a Swedish Trumpet player and composer that explores the contemporary jazz landscape with a clear focus on sound and interplay. Petter moves freely between tonal colors, improvisation, and pulsating grooves.
The music balances structure and freedom, guided by curiosity and presence. With elements of Scandinavian free jazz woven into his sound, and inspiration drawn from both nordic lyricism and modern improvisational music, he creates an expression that is organic, exploratory, and deeply rooted in the present moment.

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“Petter I Pankinaho presents some of the melodies with a rich trumpet tone and is also given space for some beautifully crafted solos – somewhat in the style of the trumpeter Ron Miles.”  - Orkesterjournalen (Jazz magazine) 

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Pankinaho has studied music three years in Sweden, at University of music and drama and and 6 months in Paris where he discovered the rich and international jazz scene and met one of his biggest inspirations, Ambrose Akinmsuire. Later he became a member of the Betty Carter jazz ahead Program where he met like-minded musicians and mentors.

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​Collaboration and Grants

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● -2022 He participated in a collaboration with the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C in USA. Which was led by pianist Jason Moran. He performed two concerts of his original music at the J.F. Kennedy Center.

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●  2022 He had the honour to go to Washington D.C in the USA and play my original music at the Kennedy Center in connection with a project called Betty Carter Jazz Ahead. This was sponsored by the Kennedy Center. It was for musicians and composers who have a desire to develop jazz music as an art form.

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● 2022 He participated in a workshop together with award-winning choreographer Hope Boykin and composer Jason Moran. He did two collaborations with dancers led by Hope Boykins where they explored improvisation as a basic element within both art forms. This was performed at the Kennedy Center.

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● 2022 He was hired as a musician in Louis Bonilla's big band. He toured for two weeks in Croatia and Italy together with Dick Oats And Alex Sipiagin. ​

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●  2019 He played a concert together with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel in Paris at the Conservatoire national Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris.

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●  He participated as a soloist at Vara Konserthus and Nefertiti jazz club together with Bohuslän Big band. We also recorded an album at Nilento studio where I was a soloist, arranger and composer. 2020

●  He received a scholarship from Vänersborg's sons' guild in 2018 for his trumpet playing.