Switzerland @ jazzahead! Trade Fair and Festival
Launched in 2006, the jazzahead! trade fair and festival has developed into one of the most important yearly get-togethers for the European jazz scene. Attracting well over 3000 business professionals from 66 countries in 2024, and featuring 38 showcase concerts, jazzahead! is a fantastic exchange forum for a branch of the music business that is often overlooked by similar events geared more towards the poppy end of the spectre.
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Swiss Music Stand (trade fair) | THU 24 – 26 APR | 10:00 – 18:00 | Halle 6 (B53)
As it happens, there will be a lot of Swiss music at this year’s jazzahead! Alongside Spain and France, Switzerland is part of the “RE-CONNECT” programme which invites previously featured guest nations to inform the festival about latest developments in their territory in an introductory zoom call and a number of showcase performances. In fact, the Louis Matute Large Ensemble led by guitarist Louis Matute and augmented by several guests will be part of the Grand Opening ceremony.
Grand Opening | WED 23 APR | with the Louis Matute Large Ensemble and guests | Congress Centre Bremen
RECONNECT Welcome Reception | THU 24 APR | RECONNECT Lounge, Hall 6
Participation is free to all accredited professionals.
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Showcases:
Louis Matute Large Ensemble | THU 24 APR | 21:00 – 21:30 | Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
„I have never written a melody without singing it at the same time,“ says Louis Matute. With that approach it comes as no surprise that the young guitarist’s Latin-tinged music is mellifluous, melodic, raucous – and very morish.
Yilian Canizares | FRI 25 APR | 20:15 – 20:45 | Hall 7.1
Born in Havana, violinist and singer Yilian Cañizares arrived in Switzerland via Venezuela. Chucho Valdéz is a big fan: „Yilian is one of the most amazing talents amongst a new generation of Cuban musicians.” he said. “A genuine virtuoso, expressive and spontaneous who plays with a grace that makes her a favourite of all of us”.
Manon Muellener 5tet | SAT 26 APR | 14:00 – 14:30 | Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
Pianist Muellener and her trombone/sax/double bass/drums quintet blends influences from all over the jazz world to create a deeply personal and melodic style packed with surprises.
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“Clubnight”:
alpha-ray | FRI 25 APR | 16:30; 18:15; 19:45; 22:45 | Schiff 2
Bernese quartet alpha-ray (synth, guitar, drums etc.) fronted by vocalist/synth/guitarist Annina Mossoni describe themselves as “trip-hop-inspired, jazz-influenced, synthesizer-backed hybrid-pop”.
Stefan Rusconi | FRI 25 APR | 21:00 – 22:10 | KITO – Altes Parkhaus Vegesack
Berlin-based Stefan Rusconi has long been one of the most exciting Swiss pianists. Returning after a long period of convalescence from a personal tragedy, his music is an exciting blend of composed and improvised passages, packed with subtle detail and melodic innovation.
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Conference sessions with Swiss participation:
Exploring Initiatives and best Practices for sustainable Jazz Tours | FRI 24 APR | 11:45 – 12:30 | Business Lounge, Hall 6
Interpreters Rights of RE-CONNECT countries | SAT 25 APR | 13:15 – 14:00 | Conference Room, Hall 6
How to RE-CONNECT? Export Strategies | SAT 25 APR | 17:00 – 17:30 | Conference Room, Hall 6
jazzahead! trade fair and festival
Pro Helvetia
FONDATION SUISA
SONART
Louis Matute
Yilian Canizares
Manon Muellener
alpha-ray
Stefan Rusconi
