The first performers of the March Turku Jazz Festival have been announced. The jazz weekend will take place at Logomo's Teatro Hall from March 8 to 9, 2024. On Friday evening, the stage will come alive with the world-class saxophonist Kenny Garrett and his high-energy band, Sounds From The Ancestors. On Saturday, the spotlight will shine on the masterful trumpeter Verneri Pohjola and his highly anticipated Monkey Mind. The full festival program and the artist of the year will be revealed on December 15.
Renowned American saxophonist Kenny Garrett, along with his energetic ensemble Sounds From The Ancestors, will take the stage at the Turku Jazz Festival on Friday, March 8, 2024. Kenny Garrett is a versatile musician whose significant career has influenced many jazz musicians for several decades. He is known for his collaborations with jazz legends like Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, and many others.
Garrett's philosophical approach guides his music, and he is dedicated to the deeper meaning of music beyond mere entertainment. "I believe music heals people. That's why I play this music because I know it heals me," says Garrett in a recent interview.
On his latest album, Sounds from the Ancestors (2021), Garrett proves he is still one of the brightest and most influential modern jazz masters. Garrett's diverse compositions blend musical influences across genres, exploring the roots of West African music while fusing jazz, gospel, Motown, hip-hop, and more. The album pays homage to the heritage and musical history, particularly the rich musical heritage of Garrett's hometown, Detroit.
Sounds From The Ancestors invites listeners on a journey through various musical influences, paying tribute to ancestors and jazz heroes. Garrett's playing and compositions exude powerful expression, innovation, and musical mastery.
Kenny Garrett and Sounds From The Ancestors will also perform at the Savoy JAZZFest on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Savoy Theatre in Helsinki.
Trumpeter and composer Verneri Pohjola will release his highly anticipated album Monkey Mind in November 2023. The album's compositions, interpreted by an international supergroup, can be heard at the Turku Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Logomo's Teatro Hall.
The new album brings a new lightness, and Pohjola has composed new pieces without concern for whether they are "jazz" enough or "innovative" enough. He simply wanted to enjoy making music as himself. Pohjola assembled a dream team for the album, with each member being a top European musician in their own right, both in their careers and musically: Kit Downes on piano, Jasper Høiby on double bass, and Olavi Louhivuori on drums.
Multi-award-winning Verneri Pohjola has developed a unique playing style over the past two decades, easily recognizable upon first hearing. His music exudes warmth, serenity, and strong, expressive improvisation. Helsingin Sanomat has noted that Pohjola has become "Finland's most human-voiced, emotionally intelligent trumpeter."
In August 2023, Pohjola performed the world premiere of composer Kaija Saariaho's trumpet concerto HUSH, composed specifically for him, in two sold-out concerts with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Susanna Mälkki.
Festival tickets at Logomo are now available for purchase at Lippu.fi. When buying tickets, you can also support the valuable work of Pidä Saaristo Siistinä ry (Keep the Archipelago Clean) for the cleanliness of our waters. Following the Logomo concerts, there will be "Jazzkot" at Bar Fredrik & Yökerho Doris on Linnankatu, featuring a live gig and jam sessions.
The Turku Jazz Festival, which expands to a ten-day event, will be held in concert venues and restaurants in Turku city center from March 1 to 10, 2024. The festival will open with Silentopia, a performance combining dance, live music, and environmental science. All performers, as well as the Turku Jazz Artist of the Year, will be announced on December 15.
Photo of Kenny Garrett: Frank Schemmann