Jazz Finland Live

The perfect pair: one of the most popular American jazz and soul singers right now, Lizz Wright, and Finland’s own impressive big band, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. This concert also serves as the debut of Ed Partyka, the new Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of UMO Helsinki, as the orchestra’s conductor.

Lizz Wright has combined the soft sounds and gospel tradition of the Deep South with the finesse of the Great American Songbook. The mix also includes ear-soothing echoes of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz.

Wright’s voice, which is like rich, soft and dark velvet, has drawn comparisons to the likes of Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman and Cassandra Wilson. When the song requires, her expression takes on heart-rending and touching humanity.

The Huvila Festival Tent programme will include, for example, big band evergreens from George and Ira Gershwin. There will be both soulful ballads and irresistible swing.

“… a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather”
– The New York Times

Open event