Tampere Jazz Happening brightens up the beginning polar night for the 32nd time with a diverse setting of contemporary jazz. The Festival combines the most interesting jazz musicians from five different continents: Australia, North and South America, Africa and Europe. 24 line-ups with 16 international bands arrive to Tampere.
The event is organised for the 32nd time. In a high class programme you can hear the whole spectrum of jazz – from approachable pop jazz to a more experimental avant garde. The Festival offers some fresh talents, some veterans and four world premiers.
SCANDINAVIAN CO-OPERATION, DRUMMER STARS AND RARE INSTRUMENTS
Several bands are led behind the drum kit this year. World star Manu Katché finalises the Saturday night with his quartet and Sunday is climaxed by the maestro Jack DeJohnette and his group. Danish Stefan Pasborg brings out his ”Free Moby Dick” -project that varies rock classics by a skillful jazz band.
Some unusual instruments to jazz music are brought to Tampere by the international guests. Colombian Edmar Castaneda is a master of making his harp play groovy rhytms as well as melodies. Dutch Ernst Reijseger expands the possibilities of cello and Malian Bassekou Kouyaté's instrument is African, lute-like ngoni. The Hot 8 Brass Band entails exuberant brass sounds from New Orleans. The band is well-known from the popular tv-series Treme.
The Nordic countries co-operate at the Festival. A Finnish guitar wizard Raoul Björkenheim takes over the stage with Swedish Morgan Ågren and Mats Gustafsson. Scandinavian colours are also visible in several line-ups and in a concert accomplished with Copenhagen Jazz Festival.
IN FINNISH PROGRAMME WORLD PREMIERS AND FAMILIAR VIRTUOSOS
The Finnish programme of the Festival is also top-notch. Established top class bands like Verneri Pohjola Quartet and Dalindéo are accompanied by the brand new ensembles Jarmo Saari Republic, Kantonen Camping -septet and Tenors of Kalma, led by Jimi Tenor and Kalle Kalima.