It took place in several places of the capital from June 29 to July 2, when a supergroup of jazz greats performed in Riga Modern Standards Supergroup with Billy Cobham (Billy Cobham) and Randy Brecker (Randy Brecker) in composition, global music association mending from Portugal, American singer Clark Beckham (Clark Beckham)group Very Cool People with singer Paula Say, British singer, multi-instrumentalist Xantoné Blacq and other colorful artists.
The highlight of the festival was Modern Standards Supergroup a concert in which five world jazz stars performed together – drummer Billy Cobham, trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Bill Evans, pianist Niels Lan Doky and bassist Linley Marthe. Although the leader of the project performing modern pophitus jazz arrangements is the award-winning Danish piano genius Nils Lan Doky, it is understood that the most audience was attracted by the visit of the legendary drummer Billy Cobham and the no less legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker to Latvia. The concert of the supergroup was also attended by many domestic musicians, including Maestro Raimonds Paula, Sigmars Liepinas, Aivars Hermans and others, whose evaluation was unequivocal – the highest class jazz at our own festival Rhythms of Riga.
“Every performance is a big event for us,” emphasized Billy Cobham. “Especially after the pandemic. That’s why it’s always a great pleasure to play in such a beautiful place, for such a responsive audience.”
The international global music association took care of a bright stage show mending from Portugal, masterfully mixing together influences from Brazilian, African and Mediterranean musical traditions, both visually and aurally. The most colorful group mending the participant is its leader – vocalist and percussionist Žabu Morales, who at the end of the concert demonstrated dizzying Brazilian frevo dance style tricks, and on the morning of the performance, together with her colleagues, gave an expressive master class to Latvian music students in the Latvian Radio 1 studio.
“We always try to find a direct connection with the public without any imaginary boundaries,” said Žabu Morales. “We don’t need to understand one language. It’s enough to connect through music and rhythm. And this connection is always something magical. We were really happy to perform for the great audience in Riga!”
A convincing concert at the festival Rhythms of Riga American singer and songwriter Clark Beckham, who was also one of the leaders of the master classes, also gave a performance and proved his talent and stage charisma one hundred percent. Traditionally, a Latvian jazzfunk group also offered a new song program at the festival Very Cool People. This time together with the young and promising singer Paula Saija.
These festival concerts were held in the scenic garden of the Riga Cathedral, while another stage was located in another excellent location – the art center Noah on the AB dam. Jazz publishing houses operated there Jersika Records curated stage Jersika Stage. Harpsichordist and harpsichordist Ieva Saliete and psychedelic jazz rock association surprised the audience with unusual, more experimental performances Psychosis Amoralis, but an atmosphere closer to a great jazz and funk party was provided by an American drummer, Riga Jazz Stage 2022 laureate Domo Branch (Domo Branch), Hammond organ manager Atis Andersons with his trio, a neo-fusion group Lupa, as well as the expressive British jazz, funk and soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Xantoné Blacq with his quartet.
“I was most fascinated directly Jersika Stage concerts, because it was a great opportunity to learn more about the Latvian jazz scene,” said Tomaš Gregorčiks, creator of the main jazz program of Polish Radio 2 (Tomasz Gregorczyk). “I was also excited about the energetic Very Cool People performance.”
Officials of the festival jam session led by double bassist Andras Grunte’s trio took place Riga Jazz Lounge in a bar in a hotel Radisson Blu Latvia. Concerts of great Italian artists were also held there, in which guitarist Daniele Mammarella performed together with his Latvian colleague Reini Jauno, singer, Riga Jazz Stage 2022 laureate Valentina Fin and guitarist Filippo Ieraci.
The festival program will be continued in the autumn sessions as well Art of Riga Jazz in the studio of Latvian Radio 1. It is already known that the Spanish singer and trombonist Rita Payés will perform in Riga on November 11. More information about the festival is available on the website rigasritmi.lv.
Festival Rhythms of Riga 2023 will take place from July 6 to 8.
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