Ara Yaralyan Quartet
July 31 at 13:30
Armenian-born Estonian double bassist Ara Yaralyan presents music from his solo album Alone and Together, featuring original compositions and reimagined folk melodies that reflect his roots and musical journey. The quartet blends jazz with Eastern and Armenian influences, creating a rich and expressive soundscape. He is joined by top Finnish artists: vocalist Mia Simanainen, pianist Kari Ikonen, and drummer Markku Ounaskari.
Valjakka & Vannesluoma feat. Mingo Rajandi
July 31 at 16:00
This unique trio brings together Finnish pianist-composer Juho Valjakka, vocalist-composer Josefiina Vannesluoma, and Estonian double bassist-composer Mingo Rajandi. Their music lives at the intersection of improvisation, jazz, poetry, and movement. The ensemble explores contrasts, delicate and powerful, defined and undefined, through acoustic textures that surprise, soothe, and provoke.
Each artist brings a distinct voice: Valjakka’s fascination with ambiguity, Vannesluoma’s lyrical expressiveness, and Rajandi’s cross-disciplinary creativity rooted in both music and theatre. The result is an evocative, boundary-pushing performance that invites deep listening and reflection.
Jazz-Espa is an urban festival produced by the Finnish Jazz Federation, focusing on Finnish jazz music.
On the photo: Mingo Rajandi at Katowice Jazz Art Festival 2023
Photo: Eric Van Nieuwland