Rene Willman

Rene Willman (born 2002) is a Finnish jazz and blues guitarist from Sodankylä, now based in Järvenpää. A self-described "half jazz man, half blues man," Willman bridges two of the great American musical traditions with a distinctly Nordic sensibility. Currently completing his studies in pop/jazz music pedagogy at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Willman burst onto the Finnish jazz scene in 2025 by winning the prestigious Jazzkukko jazz guitar competition — a biennial event for musicians under 30. His early influences included blues giants like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton before expanding into jazz through the study of Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Jim Hall, and T-Bone Walker. Willman leads several projects: the Rene Willman Quartet, performing his original compositions; the innovative Guitar Big Band featuring up to 17 guitarists; the blues outfit Smokestack; and the jazz duo Juttutuokio with pianist Tobias Schenk. He also performs Jimmy Giuffre 3 tributes alongside Max Zenger, taking on the role originally played by the legendary Jim Hall.