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