Known for its intimate and experimental nature, Korpo Sea Jazz showcases some of the most intriguing names in contemporary Finnish jazz, such as the internationally renowned jazz guitarist Olli Soikkeli and the young virtuoso Maja Mannila. The festival includes individual concerts and free events held around historical sites in the Korpo archipelago, surrounded by nature and the sea.
The artistic director for the 2024 festival is bassist Joonas Tuuri, known for several young generation bands and as a dedicated jammer. Tuuri will be featured in many concerts throughout the festival, as well as hosting jam sessions.
"Korpo Sea Jazz has truly succeeded in creating such a unique art experience that it is challenging to find another like it. I have never seen or experienced a similar event. Surely everyone who has been to the festival wants to come back," the artistic director describes.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, July 25th in the morning at Korpo Square, where the Korpo Sea Jazz Houseband, consisting of islanders and part-time residents, delights with its swinging rhythms led by Joonas Tuuri. The same group can also be heard in the afternoon at Nauvo guest marina.
At Korpo Gård manor, the miksu, mikko & severi trio, known for its young talented musicians and lively and experimental improvisations, will perform. The playing continues in the evening with opening jam sessions at Hjalmar's.
On Friday, July 26th, Riikka Keränen Group will perform at Korpo medieval church with a mood-setting and modern approach. At Korpo Gård, we dive into the deep end of groove and rhythms when Maja Mannila trio plays together with multi-instrumentalist Mikko Antila. At Houtskär archipelago museum, Matias Långbacka explores the possibilities of improvisation with trumpet, looper, and a variety of other effects.
As Friday evening fades, something entirely unique can be heard along the Barefoot Path in the middle of the forest. Besides birdsong, snare drums and cymbals resound as the drum duo Severi Sorjonen and Anssi Tirkkonen take to their sticks.
Portside jazz begins the final day of the festival on the terrace of Korpoström Archipelago Center. Saturday morning is an excellent time to enjoy cold drinks and hot jazz under the sun's rays. In the afternoon, a boat transport takes jazz lovers to Aspö islands small chapel, where Joonas Tuuri and guitarist Olli Soikkeli will play Brazilian guitar music. The main concert at Korpoström Archipelago Center features performances by Joonas Tuuri Quartet and Olli Soikkeli Quartet. After the main concert, a jazz buffet is offered, followed by the festival's final jam sessions, hosted by trumpeter Mikko 'Gunu' Karjalainen.
The Jazz Bus transports the audience from Turku to Korpo and back on the festival Friday, July 26th, 2024. You can also hop on in Pargas! The ticket includes transportation and three concerts. You can sign up for the jazz bus during this week (or as long as there are seats available) by sending an email to mellbergbosse@gmail.com.
Photo © 2024 Archipelago Sea Jazz