Karmen Rõivassepp Quartet is a vibrant and prominent jazz quartet that ever since their debut in 2018 have continued to grow a solid audience in Scandinavia, with prospects of breaking through into the European scene The quartet is constantly developing and in these days veering a bit further from their common language of jazz tradition, showcasing the more reflective, moody and melancholic contemporary jazz style In the process of finding their distinct sound, the band has experimented with anything from through-composed material to complete freedom and open improvisation. No matter what the occasion, one can expect to hear striking vocal purity, great musical interplay intertwined with sophisticated melodies and harmonies when these four young jazz musicians step on the stage.
Karmen Rõivassepp Quartet on julkaissut kaksi arvostettua studioalbumia, Dance of Sounds (2018) ja Breathe (2021). For her outstanding musicality Rõivassepp has just recently won the Danish Music Awards Jazz 2023 – “Jazz Composer of the Year“; and the Estonian Music Awards 2024 – “Jazz Album of the Year“.
“The seven distinctive tracks on Breathe strike a satisfying balance between taut energised
rhythms and quieter more reflective melodies on this highly individual release.“
– James Read, ukvibe (2021)
“The bandleader’s vocals are striking in their purity, her range and her pitching impressive.
And she’s harmonically inventive when decorating melodies with intricate, scat-sung
phrases […]“
– Thomas Rees, Downbeat Magazine (2018)
At the Porvoo Jazz Festival in Vanha 123, the audience is always served 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. Saturdays concert features Karmen Rõivassepp Quartet and Lampen. Aatos Cafe serves treats during the concerts
Kuva: Martin Dam-Kristensen