Sylvain Rifflet quartet “Aux Anges” is a new constellation by the acclaimed French saxophonist with his “Finnish brother” and long term companion trumpet virtuoso Verneri Pohjola. The band has gained reputation as one of the most exciting group on the French jazz scene and makes its Finnish-Baltic debut in an extended tour from April 16th to 30th 2024.
French saxophonist, clarinetist and composer Sylvain Rifflet is one of the most brilliant and popular jazz musicians of his generation. He cultivates a mellifluous and hypnotic sound and has been playing adventurous, somewhat rock-related jazz since since the begining of this century. His new album “Aux Anges”, released in Spring 2022, continues a long series of commended records starting with “Alphabet” in 2011. This album, which the artist considers to be his most accomplished, is dedicated to his loved ones, his ‘angels’, and to the personalities who have influenced and nourished him. We find references to American composers Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Philip Glass, but also Moondog, to the singer, composer and activist Abbey Lincoln, to saxophonists Stan Getz and Jon Irabagon, to filmmaker Claude Sautet, or to the novelist James Baldwin.
The tune “Cake Walk from a Spaceship” is dedicated to Finnish trumpeter-composer Verneri Pohjola, whose sensitive partnership with Rifflet started in 2012. Pohjola, an acclaimed jazz artist in Europe, possesses a commanding and unique voice that showcases both warmth and vibrancy in his playing. In addition to his own projects, Verneri has also gained recognition as the soloist of the trumpet concerto “Hush” by renowned composer Kaija Saariaho. Premiered in August 2023, two months after Saariaho passed away, this collaboration highlights Verneri’s exceptional talent and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz music.
The percussionist Benjamin Flament is another long-time companion of Rifflet. He has developed original instrumental techniques on a handcrafted, metal-based percussive set made for himself. Hungarian Paris based Csaba Palotaï is a much sought-after guitarist, praised for his soulful and imaginative playing.
Sylvain Rifflet quartet “Aux Anges” (FR, FIN, HU)
Sylvain Rifflet tenor saxophone, clarinet, Shruti-box
Verneri Pohjola trumpet, electronics
Csaba Palotaï guitar
Benjamin Flament percussions, electronics
Tour program from April 13th to 30th 2024
Duo Sylvain Rifflet & Verneri Pohjola
Sat 13/04 Janakkala, Keltainen Talo
Sun 14/04 Loviisa, Saltbodan
Sylvain Rifflet quartet « Aux Anges » with Verneri Pohjola
Tue 16/04 Helsinki Malmitalo / MalmiJazz
Wed 17/04 Joensuu, Näyttämö / Jazzkerho 76
Thu 18/04 Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari / Olavin Jazz
Fri 19/04 Äänekoski, Painotalo
Sat 20/04 Seinäjoki, Kalevan Navetta / Jazzoikoon!
Sun 21/04 Raahe, Raahen Teatteri / Rantajatsiklubi
Mon 22/04 Turku, Mestarinkadun konserttisali
ESTONIA
Wed 24/04 Kuressaare, Cultural Centre
Thu 25/04 Põlva, Cultural Centre
Fri 26/04 Viljandi, Pärimusmuusika Ait
LATVIA
Sun 28/04/2024 Rezekne, GORS
Tue 30/04/2024 Riga, VEF Culture Palace
Tour production: JMP, Vapaat äänet
Tour support: AJC, Adami, CNM, Spedidam / French Institutes of Estonia, Finland and Latvia
Tour partner: Kumu drums
Photo of: Philippe Giordani, Verneri Pohjola, Sylvain Rifflet, Benjamin Flament.