The artists in the opening spotlight concert were Belgium. Altogether there were performers from 15 different countries. The festival was once again applauded for its imaginative programming and warm atmosphere.
During the four-day event, 24 ensembles appeared in Tampere on the stages of Pakkahuone, Klubi and Telakka. Friday’s sold-out event included Linda Fredriksson Juniper, Pepe Willberg & Jukka Eskola Statement and Natacha Atlas. This year the prestigious Finnish jazz prize, the Yrjö Award, was given to drummer Mikko Hassinen.
On Saturday the audience was captivated by Yazz Ahmed, whose musical style belongs inherently to the latest British jazz generation’s jazz, and saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, who played compositions by John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane.
Raoul Björkenheim, who has performed most often at the festival during its 40-year history, received a surprise award on Saturday at the beginning of his gig with Sonic Decode. Björkenheim received a scholarship of EUR 1,000 from Tampere Music Festivals, which is the organiser of Tampere Jazz Happening.
On Sunday the audience at Pakkahuone was particularly fascinated by the performance of two long-line jazz musicians, guitarist John Scofield and bassist Dave Holland. According to preliminary estimates, the festival’s venues were packed to 95 % capacity and the visitor count was 3800. The next Tampere Jazz Happening will be held 3–6 November, 2022.
Photo: Lakecia Benjamin © Maarit Kytöharju
