Wishamalii | Emmi U. Trio | Janne Huttunen Quintet – Jazz-Espa

Emmi U. Trio will combine Nordic jazz, Finnish psychedelic folk, and Brazilian rhythm music, while in the evening, the Janne Huttunen Quintet, made up of long-time top jazz musicians, will take the audience into the world of cinematic jazz.

Programme

at 1 pm Wishamalii
This brand new ensemble is set up by three adventurous musicians from very different geological and musical backgrounds. With only a few concerts behind, the trio already sounds like a well-established, solid unit, gaining a lot of wow-type attention for its totally unique music, its charming spirit on stage, and for the pianist’s revolutionary invention – the Maqiano™ Microtuning System, that allows him to play the Arabic maqamat on acoustic piano! The name Wishamalii refers to the Nordic way of interpreting the Arab-Andalusian Muwashah-songs, yet most of its repertoire is original music specially written for this band. German label Nordic Notes will release their debut album ”Al-Bahr” in September 2024.

Nemat Battah (PS) – Voice & Oud
Kari Ikonen – Piano w. Maqiano™ Microtuning System, Moog Synthesizer
Abdissa Assefa – Percussion

at 4 pm
Emmi U. Trio
Emmi U. Trio is a new formation led by jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist Emmi Uimonen, who composed mostly vocal songs for her album "Junassa," released in 2023 (Eclipse Music). The album builds a bridge between Nordic jazz, Finnish psychedelic folk, and Brazilian rhythmic music.

The intimate trio format allows space for vocals and lyrics in Finnish, which are reflecting longing for the end of wars, defending equality and the inviolability of self-determination, and the endless incompleteness of life.
Emmi Uimonen – piano and vocals
Tuomas Talvi – bass
Chico Matada – drums

at 7.30 pm
Janne Huttunen Quintet
Saxophonist Janne Huttunen is known as a versatile musician, producer, and songwriter. Huttunen released his second jazz album, "Two Shadows of You," in the spring of 2023, and both on the album and live at Jazz-Espa, audiences will hear Finland's jazz elite. The album's compositions are characterized by stylishly catchy and easily approachable melodies, swinging rhythms, and cinematic tones.

Janne Huttunen – saxophones
Kalevi Louhivuori – trumpet
Henri Mäntylä – piano
Ville Herrala – bass
Jaska Lukkarinen – drums