The popular Flame Jazz Cruise brings an exhilarating festival atmosphere to the Viking Grace on the first weekend of February.
For the 23rd time, the jazz cruise between Turku and Stockholm will feature six blazing concerts and an unexpected mini-tour by master bassist Ville Herrala around the ship. The cruise begins with the latest news from jazz musicians in a talk show discussion, and on the return trip, the atmosphere is lifted by a new jazz bingo hosted by Taneli Pyysalo. Of course, during the journey, essential jazz jams will be organized, where the juiciest solos are often heard in the early hours.
Jukka Gustavson, known as a pioneer of Finnish progressive rock, kicks off the jazz cruise with his Street Level band. The trio will be joined by the legendary saxophonist Pentti Lahti, whose merits extend from the 1960s to the present day. The concert's program includes reimagined versions of Joe Zawinul, The Beatles, Procol Harum, and Ray Charles songs, as well as original compositions.
The band Freezer will play a mix of intensely flowing jazz, incorporating sounds from the gaming world and progressive soundscapes into warm melodies. The debut album Icebreaker by Freezer has been nominated for an Emma Award for the best jazz album of the year.
The programme continues with Muscular, a solo project by the keyboard artist Ilmari Aitoaho, who combines funk rhythms, soul harmonies, retro-futuristic synth sounds, and deep basses, mixed with traditional rhythm instruments.
Mirja Mäkelä & BergerKnutssonSpering, a quartet of experienced and expressive jazz musicians, will perform a new program on the cruise. The texts are in Finnish, Swedish, and English, covering both known poets and Mäkelä's own works.
Jimi Tenor Band, led by the multi-instrumentalist Jimi Tenor, will bring a unique blend of jazz, electronic music, funk, and African rhythms to the cruise. The band, formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, features Lauri Kallio, Heikki Tuhkanen, and Eeti Nieminen. Long-time friend and collaborator of Tenor's, drummer Ekow "Ekowmania" Alabi Savage also plays in the ensemble.
The cruise concludes with the soulful Emilia Sisco and The Northern Lights, where soul, jazz, and blues effortlessly merge into an enchanting soundscape.
Throughout the journey, bass virtuoso Ville Herrala will surprise passengers with his improvised contrabass music in unexpected places on the ship.
The Flame Jazz Cruise XXIII takes place on the Viking Grace ship, departing from Turku on Saturday, February 3, 2024, and returning on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
For the full cruise program and schedule, please visit Flame Jazz Cruise XXIII.
Photo of Emilia Sisco: Kai Kuusisto