Grammy-palkittu jazzkitaristi Bill Frisell (USA) Savoy JAZZFestiin

Grammy-winning Jazz Guitarist Bill Frisell (USA) to Perform at Savoy JAZZFest

Savoy JAZZFest, one of the most significant jazz events in the Helsinki metropolitan area, has announced more of its program for next year. The festival, held in early March, will feature a Saturday finale concert with Grammy-winning guitarist Bill Frisell (USA), one of the most esteemed jazz guitarists of our time. Earlier that same day, the Savoy Theatre stage will be graced by the award-winning bassist Kaisa Mäensivu’s band, Kaisa’s Machine, joined by acclaimed American tenor saxophonist Mark Turner. Tickets for Savoy JAZZFest will go on sale on Friday, November 29, at 12:00 PM via Lippu.fi.

The four-day Savoy JAZZFest has now revealed its full lineup, except for the opening day. The latest additions include Kaisa’s Machine feat. Mark Turner (Finland/USA) and the Bill Frisell Trio feat. Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston (USA), both performing on Saturday, March 8.

Kaisa’s Machine, founded nearly a decade ago by the award-winning bassist and the festival’s artistic director Kaisa Mäensivu, has established itself on the international jazz scene. Mäensivu’s debut album *Taking Shape* will be followed by a new album recorded in New York, set to be released in spring 2025. The album will be performed live for the first time at Savoy JAZZFest.

For this special album release concert, Mäensivu has invited one of modern jazz’s most influential figures, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner. With a career spanning decades, Turner has become a jazz institution, described by *The New York Times* as "the best jazz musician you've never heard of." This marks the first time Mäensivu and Turner will share the stage. Rising jazz vocalist Maja Mannila will also make a guest appearance during the evening. The band features pianist Edin Laden, guitarist Max Light, and drummer Joe Peri.

Later that evening, the festival finale will spotlight Bill Frisell, one of today’s most respected jazz guitarists. Performing alongside bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston, Frisell’s trio will present material from their latest album, *Valentine,* along with older compositions and jazz standards. Their years of collaboration have fostered a deep musical connection that promises an extraordinary live experience.

A Grammy winner, Bill Frisell is renowned for blending jazz, rock, folk, and experimental music. His distinctive sound and technique create expansive soundscapes that are immediately recognizable. Throughout his career, Frisell has collaborated with legendary artists like Joe Lovano, Elvis Costello, and Bonnie Raitt. Widely regarded as a key figure in modern jazz, his influence has shaped both emerging musicians and seasoned composers.

Savoy JAZZFest’s main partner, Hotel Haven, will double its popular jazz brunch offerings next year due to high demand, with two sessions on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Performers for the brunches will be announced in early 2025 when table reservations open.

This is the third year that Kaisa Mäensivu has curated the Savoy JAZZFest program as its artistic director. See the announced program below:

SAVOY JAZZFEST March 5th–8th, 2025

Thursday, March 6
Francesca Tandoi (Italy) / Manuel Dunkel Quintet feat. Peter Bernstein (USA)*
*Manuel Dunkel Quintet feat. Peter Bernstein (USA):
Peter Bernstein (guitar)
Manuel Dunkel (tenor saxophone)
Alexi Tuomarila (piano)
Kaisa Mäensivu (bass)
Joe Peri (drums)
Time: 7:00 PM

Friday, March 7th
Lizz Wright (USA) + UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra
Time: 7:00 PM

Saturday, March 8th
Kaisa’s Machine feat. Mark Turner (Finland/USA)
Time: 5:30 PM (Approx. 75 min, no intermission)

Bill Frisell Trio feat. Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston (USA)
Time: 8:00 PM (Approx. 75 min, no intermission)

Tickets
Available at Lippu.fi, €17–€67
Four-day festival pass: Early Bird €160 (until January 15, 2025; regular price €190). Additional service fees may apply depending on the sales channel.

Producer
Savoy JAZZFest is produced by the Savoy Theatre. The festival’s executive producer is Sirpa Hynninen, and it is part of the City of Helsinki’s Culture and Leisure Department. Artistic direction is by Kaisa Mäensivu.

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