The main event of Jazzklubi -76 in the autumn, the first edition of Ilosaari Jazz Festival, will be held as individual concerts due to the pandemic. Despite the changes, Jazzkerho -76 will offer a full-fledged and artistically high-quality program over the weekend.
Thursday 24.9. at 16 and 19 at Carelia-Sali
Jukka Perko and Joensuu City Orchestra: Charlie Parker 100 years
2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Charlie “Bird” Parker (1920-1955), one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Parker became known as a virtuoso saxophonist and ingenious improviser, and under his leadership, jazz underwent a revolution in 1940s America.
It was by listening to Parker and closely mimicking him that then a teenager Jukka Perko adopted the features of this style. In 1987 this would open the doors for him to the orchestra of Dizzy Gillespie, Parker's contemporary and closest colleague. Perko's dazzling playing was compared to young Parker and he was nicknamed Little Bird.
To celebrate the anniversary, Jukka and his friends approach Parker's tunes in the early style of Bird’s career from the direction of the swing. Thus, the spirit of Parker’s role models like Lester Young is also strongly present. Perko's quartet includes pianist Toomas Keski-Säntti, bassist Eero Seppä and Jukka's long-time collaborator, master drummer Teppo Mäkynen.
ILOSAARI JAZZ
Friday 25.9. at 19:00 Kerubin Sali
Marjo Leinonen and Jukka Perko: Billie Holiday
The iconic jazz soloist Billie Holiday (1915–1959), an example of unrestrained interpretations and a tragic life, will receive a tribute worthy of her in autumnal Joensuu. The songs of the legendary singer are interpreted by Marjo Leinonen (vocals), queen of blues and rock, together with Jukka Perko (saxophone), Seppo Kantonen (piano), Eero Seppä (bass) and Tuomas Timonen (drums).
Saturday 26.9 at 16:00 Conservatory Hall
Émile Parisien & Roberto Negro (France)
Les Métanuits is a variation of visionary pianist Roberto Negro from György Ligeti’s first string quartet Métamorphoses nocturnes for piano and soprano saxophone. He has invited the award-winning saxophonist Emile Parisien to join him on this great playful adventure. Parisien has over the years delighted Finnish listeners both with his own quartet and as a duo with accordionist Vincent Peiran.
Saturday 26.9. at 19:00 Kerubin Sali
Superposition!
Superposition, named after miraculous discoveries of quantum physics, is an oven-fresh quartet formed by composer-drummer Olavi Louhivuori. The band's music draws on the tradition of free jazz and improvisation. The other members of the band are Linda Fredriksson and Adele Sauros (saxophones) and Mikael Saastamoinen (bass).