“Pianist Jukka Nykänen was a perfect virtuoso also as a commentator. Quick-witted, intelligent, sophisticated, getting to the point, competent - all without being arrogant or snobbish. Bravo!”
- Rondo Magazine 2016
”A virtuoso in the 19th century grand style”
“His creative imaginativeness emerges musical fantasy in such an uninhibited manner it makes even the most hard core piano geeks gasp.”
“Jukka “Liszt” Nykänen has led us to the very source of the virtuoso art.”
- Kangasalan Sanomat 5.4.2016
”In his arrangements Nykänen cultivates the features of grand piano composers’ styles with great sovereignty letting the listener experience the joy of finding new aspects in familiar tunes.”
“The sound was a magnificent composition of years of practice in handiwork and intelligent creative thinking.”
- Satakunnan kansa 30.8.2015
”World class mastery”
”His respectable piano skills, incredible velocity and fine mastering of sound were appealing.”
- Kouvolan sanomat 21.11.2014
”Pianist-composer-arranger-improviser Jukka Nykänen has played the piano hanging in a harness 50 meters above surface, tap-danced at a piano concert, improvised 90 minutes to a Japanese silent film and rattled Metallica with a pyro piano like a genuine rock star”
- Kouvolan sanomat 18.2.2014
”On the second half he proved to be like Liszt new born, “the devil of the piano”, such was the action on the keyboard in the variations of Bond themes artfully modulating in different keys.”
- Salon seudun sanomat, 7.11.2013
”Jukka Nykänen was an excellent choice for soloist. A Gershwin player must master the classical music technique as well as jazz rhythms and style. Nykänen has it all.
- Helsingin sanomat 21.3.2013
”On top of being a musician of great technical skill and versatile expression, Nykänen is a multitalented entertainer whose amazing escapades strongly anchor to knowledge of history and style.”
- Hufvudstadsbladet 5.12.2012
”He is a great entertainer whose analytical character, sense of humour, relaxedness and creativity work in any repertoire.”
- Yle.fi 1.11.2012
”Confidence in style is the most rewarding tool of the grand master of arrangements, Jukka Nykänen. Combined to the smooth and in virtuosity incomparable pianism, it makes the listener’s blood circle.”
- Satakunnan kansa 1.11.2008
”On his recording the remarkably gifted pianist Jukka Nykänen offers arrangements that sweeps the listeners off their feet in the way of Vladimir Horowitz and György Cziffra.”
- Helsingin Sanomat 1.11.2007
”Sense of humour and virtuosity paced Jukka Nykänen’s fine arrangements of Finnish folk songs at the Mänttä Music Festival.”
- Aamulehti 1.7.2007
”The concert was labelled with magnificent pianism and the art of arrangement.”
“The infatuation of the audience was unavoidable.”
- Helsingin sanomat 17.3.2006
”Nykänen is a blend of Liberace, Tatum and Horowitz. He plays light music, jazz and classical music all with great taste, style, ideal technique and sophisticated sound.”
- Helsingin Sanomat 2.7.2001
”Jukka Nykänen is an exceptional talent with unusual versatility. Not only is he a fantastic pianist in any repertoire, but also a divine improviser and a highly competent arranger and composer.”
- Hufvudstadsbladet 1.7.2001
”Jukka Nykänen has a couple of unique qualities: he plays with wonderfully mesmerizing sound, one that many famous pianists have been unsuccessfully looking for through their entire lives.”
- Hufvudstadsbladet 2.12.1997