Verneri Pohjola Quartet (Finland)

Opening Act at 8pm: Francesco Turrisi Trio.

A series of stand-out albums over the past decade have marked Finnish trumpeter Verneri Pohjola out as one of the major new talents in contemporary Scandinavian jazz.

A dazzling player with a commanding individual sound, his compositions are strong and bold and find hooky melodies that stick in your mind.

Born into a Finnish musical dynasty, Verneri Pohjola’s grandfather and uncle were both respected conductors, while his father came to international prominence as a member of Finnish 70s prog rock group Wigwam, and performed in the bands of Mike Oldfield, amongst others.

Verneri first came to prominence as leader of the award-winning Ilmiliekki Quartet. He was named ‘Musician of the Year’ at the Pori Jazz Festival 20 years ago, his 2015 release ‘Bullhorn’ which was name by Jazzwise Magazine as ‘among the truly finest jazz albums of recent times.’

A distinctive trumpeter with a rounded, breathy tone, Pohjola’s solo’s soar, and bring a seering clarity to his music. His quartet include major players in Finnish jazz, including Olavi Louhivuori on drums, pianist Tuomo Prättälä and bass player Antti Lötjönen

Opening Act at 8pm: Francesco Turrisi Trio.

Grammy Award winning pianist and multi -instrumentalist Francesco Turrisi is a musical polymath who has played baroque operas with ensemble L'Arpeggiata, toured with The Silk Road ensemble, interpreted the music of Steve Reich, and accompanied flamenco star Pepe El Habichuela. Since 2018, he has collaborated with singer Rhiannon Giddens, and won a 2022 Grammy Award in the best folk album category for their album ‘They’re Calling Me Home.’ His latest piano solo album “Northern Migrations” was described as “delicate, wistful and wholly engrossing” by the Irish Times.