Jazz music in Estonia

Estonian jazz music is very diverse. Creating original music is a standard that has quickly taken root here. Young musicians and groups present new and often rather experimental music quite early in their careers. Estonia hosts many international jazz festivals, the most extensive being Jazzkaar.

Photo of Kadri Voorand and Mihkel Mälgand by Karmo Koppel

MEET THE ARTISTS

Maria Faust

Maria Faust (1979), masterful saxophone player and composer lives in Denmark, but works internationally. Bringing experimental jazz to new heights, her music is intellectual, bold and memorable.

Photo by Serious Pakzad

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Estonian Voices

This ensamble of six strong vocalists (Kadri Voorand,Mikk Dede, Mirjam Dede, Maria Väli, Rasmus Erismaa, Aare Külama) blend jazz, folk and pop and thereby modernize the a capella approach by creating a very particular, unique sound.

Photo by Stina Kase

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Joel Remmel Trio

Led by Joel Remmel (1989), the acclaimed jazz pianist, who also performs solo, this trio (Heiko Remmel, Ramuel Tafenau, Joel Remmel) performs jazz, blues and swing on high levels. They describe their music as 'a search for translating everyday life into melodies, rhythms and harmonies, leading to more harmonious living'.

Photo by Sohvi Viik

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Rita Ray

Rita Ray's band (Kristi Raias, Artis Boriss, Kristen Kütner, Jasper Alamaa, Ott Adamson) can be described as mainly a soul band, blending jazzy and r&b elements to achieve their uplifting and old-school sound.

Photo by Taavi Muide

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Kadri Voorand

Kadri Voorand (1986), a vocalist, pianist and composer performs solo, in duo with Mihkel Mälgand (1978) or in several collectives such as the aforementioned Estonian Voices. Her style is bold, experimental and always memorable. Loved in Estonia, she has gained international recognition by performing all over the world.

Photo by Anu Hammer

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Kristjan Randalu

Randalu (born 1978), a composer and pianist has brought his music to some of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals and concert halls. He's
creating his own original blend of contemporary jazz aswell as collaborating with several generations of respected musicians.

Photo by Kaupo Kikas

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Contemporary composers Rap and hip-hop