The Finnish semi-final for the annual Young Nordic Jazz Comets showcase takes place at Koko Jazz Club on Saturday 16 April.
The semi-final sees four talented young groups compete for a place in the Young Nordic Jazz Comets Showcase, to be held at Umeå Jazz Festival in October 2016. This year, the winner and the audience’s favourite will be rewarded with more high-profile shows than ever before. Last year’s finalist, Katu Kaiku, will perform at the event before the announcement of the winning band.
In the semi-final, each group will have 20 minutes to convince a jury of jazz professionals. While only one can emerge victorious, all groups will receive feedback for their performance. The audience will have a chance to vote for their favourite as well, and both the winner and the audience’s pick get to play live at the prestigious Finnish jazz festival, April Jazz, in spring 2017. In addition to the place at the Young Nordic Jazz Comets Showcase 2017, the winning act will take to the stage at the Finnish Jazz Federation’s summery Jazz-Espa concert series at the Espa Stage on 3 August 2016.
Kaisa's Machine
Kaisa Mäensivu - double bass
Mikael Myrskog - piano
Max Zenger - saxophone
Jonatan Sarikoski - drums
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Antti Lähdesmäki Quartet
Antti Lähdesmäki - piano
Juho Valjakka - flutes
Juuso Rinta - double bass
Teemu Mustonen - drums
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O. Saastamoisen Kvartetti
Jarno Tikka - saxophone
Toomas Keski-Säntti - piano
Mikael Saastamoinen - bass
Okko Saastamoinen - drums
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Second Wind Quintet
Tommi Tampio - guitar
Kasper Haikonen - saxophone
Aapo Wikstén - piano
Juuso Rinta - bass
Ilkka Oksanen - drums
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Organised since 2000, the Young Nordic Jazz Comets is an annual showcase for promising Scandinavian jazz bands. Originally a competition that was held each year at a changing Scandinavian jazz club, YNJC has recently been shaped towards a showcase that offers young groups an opportunity to display their talent at international jazz festivals.
Success in the YNJC has spurred many Finnish top bands to big leagues, including Elena & The Rom Ensemble, Mopo, Ilmiliekki Quartet, Elifantree, SUN Trio and Kvalda. The last year’s showcase took place at Finland’s Tampere Jazz Festival, while this year the showcase travels to Umeå, Sweden.
The organisation behind the YNJC comprises all Scandinavian umbrella organisations of jazz: Svensk Jazz, Norsk Jazzforum, Jazz Danmark and FIH Music School/Music Export Iceland.