Jaak Sooäär expands his repertoire of collaborative projects, this time joining forces with percussionist Marilyn Mazur, bassist Anders Jormin, and singer Josefine Cronholm. The program, titled ‘Butterfly Elegies’, showcases new compositions by Sooäär and Jormin, alongside thematic improvisations.
The Estonian composer and guitarist, Jaak Sooäär, is a longstanding friend of Jazzkaar. With a career spanning decades in the music industry, his diverse musical portfolio includes collaborations and performances with Estonian artists, as well as renowned musicians from around the world, such as Ray Anderson and Tony Allen. This year at Christmas Jazz, he showcased his program Butterfly Elegies, featuring support on stage from his Scandinavian friends – Marilyn Mazur, Anders Jormin, and Josefine Cronholm.
Marilyn Mazur, an acclaimed Danish percussionist, has also been a beloved friend of Jazzkaar for many years. Her connection with the festival goes back 26 years when she performed with the Jan Garbarek ensemble. Mazur made her mark on the international jazz scene early in her career, touring with jazz legends like Miles Davis, Gil Evans, and Wayne Shorter in the late ’80s. Recognized for her exceptional skills, she earned the title of “Percussion-talent deserving wider recognition” by the esteemed U.S. magazine Down Beat.
Josefine Cronholm is a Swedish jazz vocalist based in Denmark, and she holds two Danish Jazz Grammy Awards. As an internationally touring musician, Cronholm is actively involved on and off the stage, composing her own music and lending her vocals to film soundtracks. Anders Jormin is a highly acclaimed Swedish bassist and composer with a significant presence in performances across Europe, the USA, and Asia. Holding a professorial position, Jormin not only engages in frequent performances but also devotes time to part-time teaching in double bass and improvisation.
What brings all these musicians together is their exceptional openness and a shared willingness to experiment. According to Sooäär, each of these artists possesses the ability to explore freely chosen musical directions while staying true to themselves. That’s precisely what the audience had the privilege of experiencing during their captivating concert at Jaani kirik.
Analyzing the setlist reveals that a prominent theme of the concert was nature. Pieces such as Frozen Way and Two Butterflies Fly Out in the Noon intricately capture the beauty and mystery of nature. Merilyn Mazur’s skillfully played percussion added a nuanced touch, highlighting the smallest details in the music. Lighthouse, a composition penned by Anders Jormin, resonated deeply with the audience, given its heartfelt inspiration – the island he calls home. One particularly interesting piece, in my opinion, that stood out from the rest was Among The Trees. This beautiful and lively composition transports you to the realms of forests, jungles, and adventures, offering a unique musical experience.
Certainly, the concert was elevated by the enchanting voice of Josefine Cronholm, elegantly enriching every composition with her captivating vocals. What also made this concert special is the fact that the band played in Jaani kirik. Church walls allow for longer reverberation, undoubtedly providing a specific rich depth to both the voice and the sound of instruments.
As promised by the band, the musicians also treated the audience to spontaneous moments of improvisation. The incorporation of these improvisational segments is always an exciting element, offering listeners the chance to experience not only the collective sound of the band but also to witness and appreciate each member individually. The beauty of improvisation lies in allowing each musician to shine solo on stage, showcasing creativity, spontaneity, and a dynamic interplay with their fellow musicians.
In conclusion, it’s fair to say that “Butterfly Elegies” offered a diverse array of musical pieces, ranging from serene melodies and lively compositions to improvisations. The concert provided something to please everyone’s taste, catering to a wide range of musical preferences. Hopefully, the quartet will have the opportunity to delight us with their collaboration again, whether with pieces from this program or entirely new material.
Marilyn Mazur, Josefine Cronholm, Anders Jormin & Jaak Sooäär „Butterfly Elegies“
8th of December 2023, 7 pm at Tallinna Jaani kirik
Marilyn Mazur – drums, percussions
Josefine Cronholm – vocal
Anders Jormin – double bass, composer
Jaak Sooäär – guitar, composer