Jazz Finland Live

Afrojazz Quintet's soulful music has its roots in afrobeat, blues, reggae and jazz. In 2016 the quintet took up residency as the house band of the popular Afrojazz Club, and featured such guest soloists as Sakari Kukko, Sam Huber, Jimi Tenor, Meissa Niang and Ismaila Sané. In 2018, blues singer Charlotta Kerbs joined the quintet as their permanent solo vocalist and the group ended up releasing their debut album Bongo Jazz in 2019. Afrojazz Quintet take their listeners on a journey from West Africa to New Orleans and from jazz to psychedelic rock. 

Charlotta Kerbs – lead vocals, Antero Priha – trumpet, backing vocals, Akim Color – percussion, backing vocals, Julius Heikkilä – lead guitar, Daniel Iiskola – bass, Alvar Gullichsen – percussion, rhythm guitar, backing vocals, Anssi Tirkkonen – drums 

Maja Mannila is an impressive young singer, composer and pianist from Helsinki. Together with her trio they perform original compositions mixing elements from R’n’B, soul, jazz and gospel music. Growing up in a musical family, she has a sure grip on making music while emphasizing the importance of freedom and fun in creating and playing music. Mannila has performed with musicians such as Frank McComd (US) and Richard Spaven (UK). Currently, she is working in Iiro Rantala’s backing trio and in the jazz-fusion band Peela.

Maja Mannila – vocals and piano, Severi Sorjonen – drums, Johannes Granroth – bass 

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