Christmas Jazz 2006's main performer is Dee Dee Bridgewater, who is undoubtedly one of the top jazz singers in the world. She has received a lot of worldwide recognition - two Grammy Awards and many Grammy nominations. For her roles in London West End and Broadway musicals she has also received a Tony Award and Laurence Oliver Award. In Riga and Tallinn the singer will perform with the program from her latest CD J'ai Deux Amours, inspired by delicate French chansons in jazz arrangements.
Anna Maria Jopek is the first name among Polish singers. Her favorite composers are Maurice Ravel and Keith Jarrett. She performs 100 concerts a year in Europe and USA. Jopek has released 10 CDs and recorded with Pat Metheny, lately also with Branford Marsalis. In Tallinn she will perform with her sextet and sing a variety of her favorite tunes from the last years.
New programs will be presented by Estonian jazz singers Hedvig Hanson, Rebecca Kontus and Helin-Mari Arder. Arder has just released a CD with beautiful melodies by Michel Legrand. In collaboration with Black Nights Film Festival there will be screenings of the film “Cherbourg Umbrellas" during the Legrand-evenings in Tallinn, Parnu and Johvi.
Christmas Jazz has always presented an a capella jazz concert. This time it will be Estonian group Mare Vljataga Vocal Quintet with talented singers Kaire Vilgats, Jelena Juzvik, Dagmar Oja and Jakko Maltis.
As a tradition, a charity concert “Help to Bring Life" will focus on Estonian composer's Rene Eesperes' songs. The songs will be performed by Liisi Koikson, Chalice, Jyrmo Eespere Group, Estonian Radio Children Choir conducted by Kadri Hunt.
One of the most beloved Christmas Jazz concert locations, Niguliste Museum-Concert Hall, will this time host one of the jazz greats of Sweden Anders Jormin with beautiful Nordic sounds.
Finnish club band RinneRadio has many fans in Estonia and this time they will surprise the listeners by playing in churches instead of clubs and bring famous Christmas tunes in new arrangements to the audience.
Christmas Jazz will be finished in party mood - Rock Cafe will host British club favorite The Bays, who enchant the listeners with their creative power.
The concerts of Christmas Jazz are held in bigger towns of Estonia - Tallinn, Tartu, Parnu, Rakvere and Johvi.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
