Lonna, a cosy island just offshore Helsinki, plays host to a new jazz event, organised by We Jazz. On stage trio Elifantree, Laura Annika Quartet and We Jazz DJs.
We Jazz, one of the most innovative forces in today's Finnish jazz scene takes jazz to the coastal island of Lonna on 30 August. We Jazz X Lonna is a new event experiment, aiming to map the potential of the island – so far relatively pristine as a backdrop for cultural happenings – as a setting for musical events. The performers include two young Finnish jazz bands, Elifantree and Laura Annika Quartet, plus the We Jazz DJ collective. The audience can reach the island by boat from the Market Square in roughly ten minutes.
Elifantree, formed by vocalist Anni Elif Egecioglu, saxophonist Pauli Lyytinen and drummer Tatu Rönkkö, have come a long way in a short time. At the time of their debut release, in 2010, they were often described as an experimental jazz group – a weird bird of jazz – but lately it has become even more futile – and, indeed, unnecessary – to try to place this group in any neat musical category. Instead it might be best to be contented to refer to them as what they are; one of the most interesting up-and-coming Finnish bands of any genre. Jazz remains present in their expression, but with the big influence of electronica Elifantree’s sound borders upon experimental pop music today. The electro-acoustic dimension of Elifantree’s soundscapes has grown deeper, the role of the piano has become more central, the polyrhythmic elements more subtle and the percussive elements have gained more melodicity. The group released their third album, entitled Movers and Shakers, earlier this year.
Perhaps best described as messengers of modern vocal jazz, the quartet have not been in a hurry with their debut. “Since the beginning Laura Annika Quartet has been a musical laboratory for me, allowing me to freely experiment with different ideas. Now along with the original material it seems that we have found our sound and reached a new level of sensitivity when it comes to communicating as a group”, says vocalist Annika Mustonen. In addition to the leading lady, pianist Aleksis Liukko, known also from group Tulilu that participated in the Young Nordic Jazz Comets competition, composes for Laura Annika Quartet. Liukko’s piece, “Mind the Gap”, was recently selected among the finalists in the Esko Linnavalli composition competition. Laura Annika Quartet’s rhythm section is composed of double bassist Joonas Tuuri and drummer Juhana Kiiski.
In addition to the two groups, We Jazz DJs treat the audience to the best of jazz vinyl. Known for their popular club series, which took place for several years in Helsinki’s Kuudes Linja, this summer’s jazz sessions at mbar terrace and numerous other events, the DJ collective has spun records at Flow Festival and Berlin’s XJazz Festival, for instance. DJs Eero Löyttyjärvi and Matti Nives also host their own radio shows: the former on Bassoradio and the latter on Radio Helsinki. Expect rare jazz pearls and sturdy swing!
Lonna is a delightful little island just a seven-minute boat trip off the coast of Helsinki, on the way to Viapori. Formerly a location for minesweeping, today Lonna has its own café and a popular restaurant, managed by the Top Chef star Jouni Rahikainen, both of which welcome the We Jazz audience to enjoy their delicacies and homey atmosphere.
WE JAZZ X LONNA
Sun 30 August at 12-6PM
Elifantree
Laura Annika Quartet
We Jazz DJs
Free entry*
*Boat service to Lonna is operated by JT Lines. A return ticket is priced 7 € (children 7-16 years 3,50 €), timetables and further information ca be found on: http://www.jt-line.fi/suomenlinna
Table reservations for Restaurant Lonna: http://lonna.fi
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