Jazzahead! 2011

Jazzahead! 2011 takes place from April 28 - May 1 in Bremen, Germany. It was developed to establish a motor and core of a branch meeting of the international jazz scene, as opposed to it being the fifth wheel at other music trade fairs. Jazzahead! was, is, and remains 100% jazz – nothing more, nothing less!

Finland at Jazzahead

This year’s Jazzahead is very heavy on the Finns. A total of 15 Finnish participants have enrolled for the event's Finnish exhibition stand, organized jointly by Finnish Jazz Federation, Finnish Music Information Centre Fimic and Music Export Finland. The European Jazz Meeting at CCB/Hall 2 introduces the jazzanauts in Bremen to the following orchestras:

Elifantree is a sax/vocals/drums trio that trusts in improvisation and almost telepathic communication between the musicians. Their unplanned peregrinations take them to places strong melodies meet improvised grooves and the border between pop and free improvisation starts to blur.
- Elifantree at Jazzahead: 29 April, 2.15 pm, Halle 2

Kuára consists of Markku Ounaskari, Samuli Mikkonen and Per Jørgensen. This winner of the 2010 Emma Award for Best Finnish Jazz Album finds its influences in Russian religious music and Fenno-Ugrian folk songs, and uses these sacred and profane sounds as launching pad for intense exploration and improvisation.
- Kuára  at Jazzahead: 29 April, 4.30 pm, Borgward Saal

Kari Ikonen & Karikko is a multinational ensemble consisting of musicians from Finland, Sweden and France. It took composer and pianist Ikonen a long time to find the “right” band, but here it is. The current lineup finally finds that focused point of musical light where sophistication and grace meets brass balls and sets the venue on fire.
- Kari Ikonen & Karikko at Jazzahead: 30 April, 2.00 pm, Borgward Saal

Kalle Kalima & K-18 is a quartet that relies on the films of Stanley Kubrick for inspiratio. The quartet led by acclaimed guitarist Kalima brings together saxophone player Mikko Innanen, bassist Teppo Hauta-aho and accordionist Veli Kujala for a truly unique sound. The members’ deep personal connection is readily apparent in the music they play.
- Kalle Kalima & K-18 at Jazzahead: 30 April, 4.45 pm, Halle 2

Click on the MySpace links below to have a listen to the bands and download the brochure to read more about the companies and bands!