Jazz Finland Live

Today based in New York but hailing originally from Brazil’s Sao Paolo, tenor saxophonist and composer Felipe Salles joins UMO in early May.

In UMO’s lead the Brazilian will present his most recent – completed in autumn 2018 – and most ambitious musical project so far, The Lullaby Project and Other Works for Large Jazz Ensemble. Tailored here for the 18-piece orchestra, the composition marries classical influences with Brazilian and Latino rhythms. It consists of a five-part suite inspired by traditional Brazilian lullabies and of a three-part suite nodding to the Argentinian tango. Timbral and textural aspects play a significant role in the piece and traditional and modern elements shake hands and intertwine. Indeed, the composition is a study in Salles’s own cultural roots and it reflects on, among other things, his experiences as an expat in the United States.

Salles has been active in the American jazz scene since 1995, and his companions in music include the likes of Randy Brecker and David Liebman. His compositions have been played by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Metropole Orchestra alike. Holding the position of an Associate Professor of Jazz and African-American Music Studies at the University of Massachusetts since 2010, Salles won the Guggenheim Foundation Composition Fellowship in 2018.

Open event

Tickets 10/7 €, at the door only.

Jere Haakana Varjosto on Jazz Finland Tour, May 2–17, 2019

Jere Haakana Varjosto, formed in 2016, is an original jazz quartet with rock influences. Their music combines the powerful character compositions and cinematic soundscapes to rhythmic energy and improvisation drawing from tradition of jazz. In addition to jazz fans, the composition-centric music and the electric guitar tones resonate also with listeners less familiar with traditional jazz ensemble sound. Varjosto celebrate the release of their debut album on the Jazz Finland tour in May 2019.

Jere Haakana (b.1983) is a free-spirited guitarist and composer, who doesn’t respect the narrow box, which jazz music is so often locked into. In addition to leading his own Varjosto quartet, he has played contemporary jazz in Kasperi Sarikoski’s Nuance, contemporary art music in Unio Ensemble, hip hop in Redrama's band and big band music with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.

Jere Haakana – guitar, Artturi Rönkä – piano, keys, Juho Kivivuori – bass, Ville Pynssi – drums

Tour Dates:

2.5. Tarto, Tarto Club
3.5. Tallinna, Philly Joe’s
7.5. Kuopio, Maxim
8.5. Oulu, Vanha Paloasema Bar
9.5. Seinäjoki, Hotelli Alma
10.5. Turku, Bar Ö
14.5. Lieksa, Brahe-sali
15.5. Savonlinna, Kulttuurikellari
16.5. Jyväskylä, Poppari
17.5. Espoo, April Jazz Club, Tapiola Garden

Open event