32nd Progessive TAMPERE JAZZ HAPPENING
From 31 October to 3 November 2013
Tampere Jazz Happening brightens up the beginning polar night in Finland with a diverse array of contemporary jazz. Running 31.10. through 3.11, the Festival combines a fascinating gathering of jazz musicians from five different continents: Australia, North and South America, Africa and Europe. 24 line-ups with 16 international bands will be in Tampere!
The 32-annual Tampere Jazz Happening returns with a stellar programme where you can hear the whole spectrum of jazz – from approachable pop jazz to a more experimental avant garde. The Festival offers an intriguing selection of fresh talents, a number of jazz legends and four world premieres.
SCANDINAVIAN CO-OPERATION, DRUMMER STARS AND RARE INSTRUMENTS
Several bands are led from behind the drum kit this year. World star Manu Katché closes the Saturday night shows with his quartet, while Sunday's final performance climaxes with the maestro Jack DeJohnette and his group. And the Dane Stefan Pasborg rolls out his ”Free Moby Dick” – a project that reinvents rock classics by his skillful jazz band.
Some unusual instruments to jazz music are brought to Tampere by the international guests. Colombian Edmar Castaneda uses his harp to create captivating rhythms that meld with mesmerizing melodies. The veteran Dutch Ernst Reijseger continues to expand the possibilities of cello, and Malian Bassekou Kouyaté's instrument, the African lute-like ngoni, has been known to serve as a travel guide to another world. The Hot 8 Brass Band, well-known from the popular tv series Treme and emblematic of the exuberant brass sounds coming from New Orleans, is a must-see-and-hear.
The Nordic countries also make their mark at the Festival this year. Finnish guitar wizard Raoul Björkenheim tackles the stage with Swedes Morgan Ågren and Mats Gustafsson. Scandinavian colours are also visible in several other line-ups and in a concert presented with Copenhagen Jazz Festival.
IN FINNISH PROGRAMME, WORLD PREMIERES AND FAMILIAR VIRTUOSOS
The Finnish segments of the Festival remain top-notch. Established, formidable bands include the Verneri Pohjola Quartet and Dalindéo, accompanied in various settings by the brand-new ensembles Jarmo Saari Republic; Kantonen Camping Septet; and Tenors of Kalma, led by Jimi Tenor and Kalle Kalima.
