Kadi Vija

“My music gives the audience a journey into my thoughts, beliefs, values and history.” – Kadi Vija

Kadi Vija (b. 1985, EST/FIN) has a long background in vocal jazz improvisation and defines herself primarily as a vocal instrumentalist. Vija’s music explores sounds from modernism, jazz and electronics, as well as a deep fascination with rhythmic variety.

Vija channels stories from an unfamiliar language into melodies, sounds and ideas. In her music she aims to find a balance between being out of her comfort zone and feeling comfortable, and to do so with utmost sincerity. Vija studied in several globally leading institutions, such as the Berklee College of Music, the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department and the Conservatory van Amsterdam. While at these diverse schools she thoroughly explored jazz as an art-form with some of the world’s most eminent musicians.

In addition to many performances in some of the most important jazz festivals in Finland and several prominent jazz competitions around Europe Vija’s most active band Kadi Quartet released their debut album Stories with the great saxophonist Greg Osby’s record label Inner Circle Music. Vija’s recent project includes a young Canadian pianist Lucas Dann. The duo plays the music of Thelonious Monk in a traditional setting but with an experimental presentation. The album Ugly Beauty will be released in February 2017.

Awards

Kadi Quartet: Young Nordic Jazz Comets 2013: Winner Kadi Quartet: European Jazz Competition 2014: Finalist

Tags

Kadi Vija Vocalist

Album Review

Ugly Beauty by Troy Dostert
Ugly Beauty by Geno Thackara
Ugly Beauty by Nick Davies

Yuri Honing:  An impeccable voice control combined with a chrystal clear voice produces a talent with a serious future.

 Greg Osby:  The primary element that struck me immediately was the presence, energy and quality of her sound. Very rarely have I encountered a vocalist who has been able to develop such a personal and unique sound at such an early stage in their musical careers. Her most profound assets also include excellent rhythm, good understanding of harmony and melody, a very strong stage presence and a very well defined compositional approach. She also has a very creative way of developing solos that reflects a strong balance of thinking and intuition.