with Rudresh Mahanthappa
Alto saxophonist and composer Rudresh Mahanthappa took a little time out with us just before performing at the 26th April Jazz Festival this year. We spoke about his music, collaborations and improvisation.
The first of many musicians who’ll be Taking The Stand at Jazz Club Jury.
Lighthouse Trio
British trio Gwilym Simcock, Tim Garland and Asaf Sirkis brought the Lighthouse to April Jazz this year.
Independently they are masters of their instruments, accomplished leaders and have had award winning compositions promoting British jazz even further. Together, they are a powerhouse of harmonics and melodic textures taking you from one musical place to another. If you’ve never seen them live, you’re missing a listening experience which is extraordinary.
Verneri Pohjola at April Jazz 2012
Finnish jazz has never sounded so good, Verneri Pohjola on home turf is a strong player with independence in mind. Showcasing his latest album ‘Ancient History’, he gave a powerful performance to avid listeners. He’s going to be breaking new shores over the next few years so be sure to see Verneri live.
Rudresh Mahanthappa at April Jazz 2012
Rudresh Mahanthappa is a talent that some will love, some will like and others will simply miss out on. Samdhi, performed at April Jazz 2012, was received with mixed responses from the audience. The Avant-Garde nature of the offering is not for everyone admittedly, but the catalog of work including his latest, Samdhi, in addition to where the direction of his music is heading, is not to be missed. Leave preconceptions at home, experimenting live is engrossing and the core of improvising set at heady levels.
Edmar Castaneda at April Jazz 2012
The harp is not a conventional instrument in jazz, but this didn’t stop Edmar Castaneda showing us that jazz encompasses every fabric of music. Performing at April Jazz 2012, he was the humbled musician from Colombia that totally broke moulds.
Avishai Cohen at April Jazz
Avishai Cohen took the Tapiola Hall by storm piercing through with a sterling performance at this years April Jazz Festival in Espoo Finland. It started with pace, had a middle of calm and sophistication ultimately ending with a double encore. The maestro of the bass was joined by brilliant performances by his band Omri Mor on piano and Amir Bresler on drums.
