jaZZanti concert: Wishamalii (JO/FI)

Monday 24. November at 19:00 - 20:30

Hakasalmen huvila, Helsinki

Nemat Battah: vocals, oud
Kari Ikonen: piano, with Maqiano™ microtuner
Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa: percussion

This line-up consists of three adventurous musicians from very different geographical and musical backgrounds. Having just released their first album “Al-Bahr” on the German label Nordic Notes, the band is captivating with its completely unique music, wide tonal palette, refined ensemble playing and charming stage charisma. The album was awarded an Indie Awards, and was nominated for an Emma Award and the German equivalent, the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. The name Wishamalii refers to a Nordic way of interpreting Arab-Andalusian Muwashah songs, although the majority of the band’s repertoire is music composed especially for this band.

The package is completed by pianist Kari Ikonen's revolutionary invention – the Maqiano microtuning device, which allows him to play maqam modes and other microintervals of Arabic music on an acoustic piano!

Palestinian-Jordanian singer, oud player and composer Nemat Battah is an active and respected musician in the world music scene in Finland and Sweden. He also works as a lecturer in the Global Music department of the Sibelius Academy. Award-winning Finnish composer and pianist Kari Ikonen is quite a speciality in today's music panorama. He is constantly searching for new paths inspired by the different musical cultures of the universe. Ikonen tours the world as a solo pianist and with several Finnish and international ensembles. Ethiopian-born Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa is certainly Finland's most prominent percussionist, who naturally blends his own musical rhythmic art into any band, situation or genre.

Wishamalli has performed in a wide variety of places and events, including in the middle of the forest. The improvisational band wants to take the situations and special features of the place into account, and this jaZZanti gig will be performed in an 'unplugged' spirit with completely acoustic instruments, and the program will be adapted to the intimate atmosphere of the villa Hakasalmi.

Photo: Anna-Maria Viksten

The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.

Hakasalmen huvila • Mannerheimintie 13 B, 00100 Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Google Map of Mannerheimintie 13 B, 00100 Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Helsinki Jazz ry

+358503480368

sakari.puhakka@kolumbus.fi

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