Saxophonist Masa Orpana has released a lot of new music in 2018. The EP Rusty was released digitally in June. The jazz album was influenced by blues, gospel, soul, funk, latin and afro music. On Rusty Orpana collaborated with long-term colleques such as percussionist Ismaila Sané, keyboardist Saku Järvinen and drummer Mikko Järvinen (Olmarin Unioni), trumpetist Jykä Ahola (Rakka) and Ville Vallila (Honky Tonk Men, Masa Orpana Honk).

In November 2018 Masa Orpana and his band Honk released an album titled simply “Honk”. Orpanas’ love for African American root music is clearly heard on the album, and it consists of both original compositions and versions of rhythm and blues, jazz and even country classics. Members of the dedicated Honk band are guitarist Jonni Seppälä, bass player Ville Vallila and drummer Juppo Paavola. On the album you can also hear guest keyboardist Saku Järvinen. The Honk band plays on Orpana’s album “Travelin’ Home” (2014) too. The musicians have played in many major rhythm and blues bands such as Groovy Eyes, Helge Tallqvist & Deep Blue Divers, Honky Tonk Men and Ismo Haavisto Band.

Masa Orpana is a member of the Jazzmuseo band along with pianist Arto Piispanen, guitarist Lauri Hannu and bass player Ville Rauhala. Jazzmuseo’s concert recording from Emil Aaltonen museum was released in November 2018. The band has also performed at churches under the name Holy Land. Holy Land has released a live album of gospel music with jazz elements and spiritual jazz tunes.

Masa Orpana is an active theatre and studio musician and a saxophone teacher. He also plays in the Anssi Tikanmäki Orchestra.

Tracklisting:
1. The Dog (Orpana)
2. Tanya (Joe Liggins)
3. Rockin' Shuffle (Orpana)
4. Midnight ( Boudleaux Bryant, Chet Atkins )
5. Clear Day (Orpana)
6. Backwoods (Henry Glover)
7. Hastings Street Bounce (Trad. - Arr. Pepper Adams)
8. Churchill Strut (Orpana)
9. Blue Jean Shuffle (Plas Johnson)
10. Soul Sister (Dexter Gordon)