It can be said that joining forces is often a good idea. For Flame Jazz and Turku Jazz it definitely was so, as in August 2014 the new Turku Jazz In Flames will bring one of the living legends of jazz to the old capital of Finland; namely, the honourable Dave Liebman. In the happening, Liebman will give a concert with a group formed by top-notch Finnish jazz musicians.
Liebman’s long and impressive career has granted him the status of one of the definitive voices in the field of contemporary music. He was catapulted into fame in the 1970s when collaborating with such all-time greats of jazz as Miles Davis, Chick Corea and Elvin Jones. Liebman has appeared on hundreds of recordings and he has played in countless small groups, solo and as a soloist in a symphony orchestra. The sax master Liebman is still touring regularly and diligently in the respectful age of 67.
There is a very special vibe in the collaboration of Liebman and the new-generation Finnish jazzers. The leading figures of the group, pianist Aki Rissanen and drummer Jussi Lehtonen, are among the European jazz musicians that are worth keeping tabs on. Bassist Jori Huhtala, in turn, has contributed to the high standard of Finnish bass playing. Aki Rissanen’s recently announced recording contract with the German Ozella Music opens new pathways for Finnish jazz musicians to international success.
Turku-based Aura Flow who released their acclaimed debut, You’ll Hear From Me, early this year will open the concert with their highly refined swing. The group’s repertoire consists of saxophonist Maz Zenger’s and pianist Henri Mäntylä’s compositions, and their disarming energy has guaranteed them sold-out concerts from the start of their career. The drummer’s seat in Aura Flow is occupied by Jussi Fredriksson, the Flame Jazz president, who acts also as the host in the final jam session of the festival.
17 August 2014 Turku Jazz In Flames 2014 @ Restaurant Koulu
4PM: Aura Flow
Max Zenger – saxophone
Henri Mäntylä - piano
Henri Marjamäki – guitar
Teemu Åkerblom – bass
Jussi Fredriksson - drums
5.30PM: Aki Rissanen // Jussi Lehtonen Quartet with DAVE LIEBMAN (USA)
Dave Liebman (USA) – saxophone
Aki Rissanen – piano
Jori Huhtala – bass
Jussi Lehtonen – drums
Tickets 25/20€ (Lippupalvelu)