Felix Zenger & The Real Instruments brings rhythmic powder and technical prowess to the Porvoo Jazz Festival. The new line-up was born out of Zenger’s desire to create music where you really get to mouth off – literally and musically. The question is, is beatbox even a real instrument?!
Felix Zenger is one of the world’s most followed beatbox -artists and a pioneer in his field. Zenger’s Zenger’s musical expression has developed both as a member of the Don Johnson Big Band, Iiro Rantala New Trio and Tuomo, and as a backing vocalist for rappers and soloists in symphony orchestras. He has collaborated with world-class artists such as Pharrell Williams and toured the world. Zenger’s most popular video has amassed nearly 40 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most watched Finnish music videos.
The band features guitarist Johannes Granroth, known as the guitarist-composer for Peela and bassist for Maja Mannila, and bassist Tapio Backlund, who has played with Tuomo, Stance Brothers, Anna Puu and Isac Elliot, among others.
Special guest Tommy Lindgren, a good friend of Zenger and long-time stage partner, will take to the stage, especially known as the front man of the Don Johnson Big Band. Throughout the 2000s, Lindgren has been one of the most influential figures in English-language rap in Finland, and has also recorded and performed with Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana and GG Caravan. Zenger and Lindgren’s playing together has been honed over nearly 20 years, and the duo have performed together on stages from Turku to Turkey and Berlin to Toronto.
Zenger’s new compositions will be performed, as well as songs created in the practice room through jam sessions, combining beatbox and band playing in a completely unique way. The band’s sound combines elements of jazz, hip hop and electronic music in a way that is sure to leave a rhythmic mark on the back of your head.
Photo: Kerttu Malinen
At the Porvoo Jazz Festival in Vanha 123 on Saturday, the audience will be offered two experiences with one ticket. The concerts start in halls 1 and 2 simultaneously, and after a short break, the audience switches halls to hear the second performer of the evening. Saturday’s evening concert will feature Felix Zenger & The Real Instruments and Aki Himanen & Aleksi Kinnunen. The Aatos Cafe bar will be open all night. Delicious pizza will also be served!
Porvoo Jazz Festival is once again collaborating with renowned audio industry leader Genelec. The concert halls of the Vanha 123 will be equipped with high quality Genelec sound systems and will thus also be given their fitting names Genelec Lab 1 & 2 for the duration of the festival.
