UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra’s Great Voices concert series presents stellar vocalists! In November UMO is joined by wonderful singer Cyrille Aimée (b. 1988), who is one of the most celebrated and followed jazz singers of her generation. Her music is a mixture of jazz, soul, pop and French chanson. The winner of the Montreux and Sarah Vaughan singing competitions and a Grammy nominee charms with her skilful improvisation, phenomenal scat singing and soft voice. Aimée has been compared to Michael Jackson, Sarah Vaughan and Erykah Badu, but in the end she is her own, unique phenomenon. Also known as a Broadway actress, Aimée draws inspiration from her French-Dominican ancestry and her passionate relationship with Gypsy jazz. cyrillemusic.com
Cyrille Aimée’s music will be heard in brand new big band versions arranged especially for this concert series. This is Teemu Takanen’s debut conducting the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.
Duration 2 hours, including intermission.
Teemu Takanen (b. 1984) is a conductor, composer, arranger and saxophonist who, in addition to conducting and playing, is regularly employed by various composition commissions. Takanen has collaborated with several Finnish orchestras, big bands and theatres. The innovative music all-rounder, who graduated from the Sibelius Academy with a master’s degree in music, has been awarded multiple times in various composition and arrangement competitions. www.teemutakanen.com
Photo: Noé Cugny