The 36th edition of the Jazzkaar Festival once again confirmed why it remains one of northern Europe’s most compelling jazz gatherings. Held over the course of a week in the Estonian capital, the festival – founded by the indefatigable Anne Erm – continues to attract audiences across generations thanks to a programme that stretches well beyond the traditional boundaries of jazz.
Arriving on the festival’s second day, it was striking to witness two radically different performances back to back. Renowned for his unmistakable sound, guitarist Bill Frisell shared the stage with violist Eyvind Kang in an intimate and absorbing duet. Moving seamlessly between Frisell originals and carefully selected standards, the pair engaged in a subtle musical dialogue perfectly suited to a relaxed Sunday afternoon at Von Krahl Hall, the larger of the two venues located within Telliskivi Creative City – a former Soviet industrial complex transformed into one of Tallinn’s liveliest cultural quarters.
Later that evening, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Bringing their tour to a close in Tallinn, saxophonist and vocalist Antonio Lizana and his band electrified the audience with a vibrant fusion of flamenco and contemporary jazz. Joined by dancer El Mawi, the Cádiz-born Lizana drew deeply from Andalusian traditions while injecting them with modern energy and improvisational freedom. The result was exhilarating.
From fiery flamenco to Nordic ballads, Jazzkaar proved once again its remarkable stylistic breadth. Tuesday’s programme transported listeners from the Baltic coast to the far-away Faroe Islands. Estonian saxophonist Villu Veski assembled a quartet featuring Danish vocalist Katrina Petersen, whose Faroese family roots shaped much of the repertoire. Singing primarily in Faroese, with occasional songs in other Nordic languages, Petersen brought an ethereal quality to the performance. Guitarist Andreas Ugorskij and keyboardist Raun Juurikas completed the ensemble, which was joined on stage by the 25-member Satro Shaman Drums Orchestra. Suddenly, Fotografiska’s intimate stage felt almost too small for the number of performers gathered upon it.
With eyes closed, one could easily be carried away by the orchestra’s hypnotic rhythms and guttural chants, imagining Viking longships emerging through the Baltic mist toward Tallinn’s shores (coincidentally, the ferryline operating between Tallin and Helsinki is actually named the Viking line). The atmosphere was cinematic, immersive and unlike anything else heard during the festival.
Back at Von Krahl Hall, the mood changed once more as Kneebody unleashed their relentless, high-octane set. Presenting material from their new album Reach, the American quartet offered little respite during an intense 80-minute performance. Drummer and multi-instrumentalist Nate Wood, simultaneously handling drums and bass lines, was particularly impressive. While undeniably accomplished, the sheer intensity of the performance left the audience almost physically exhausted.
A welcome contrast awaited back at Fotografiska, which also hosted a striking exhibition by celebrated photographer Anton Corbijn. There, a chamber ensemble featuring Peedu Kass on double bass, Villu Talsi on mandolin, Theodor Sink on cello and Simone Minn on viola delivered a refined and genre-defying performance. Blending elements of classical chamber music with jazz improvisation, the quartet created a sound both sophisticated and deeply accessible.
No visit to Jazzkaar would be complete without a late-night stop at Philly Joe’s Jazz Bar, frequently ranked among the world’s finest jazz clubs. Nestled in the city centre, the venue’s vaulted cellar provided ideal acoustics for an informal jam session featuring several guest musicians from the festival circuit, including guitarist Ricky Pistone from Kennedy Administration.
“I’m your president for the night,” declared vocalist Kennedy as she took the stage with Kennedy Administration. Offering a welcome escape from contemporary political gloom and particularly Trump’s infamous administration, the group delivered an explosive set packed with funk, soul and infectious grooves. The crowd responded enthusiastically, clapping and dancing late into the night.
Jazzkaar ultimately exceeded expectations while leaving one regret: not being able to stay longer. With the Baltic jazz scene set to enjoy unprecedented international exposure as the partner region of jazzahead! (so styled) in 2027, Tallinn already feels like a destination whose moment has truly arrived.
Jazzkaar Festival, Tallinn, Finland, 25 April – 2 May 2026
