62nd Jazz festival Ljubljana

28–31 July 2021

Main festival sponsor

With support

Wednesday 28/7 20.00 Mladi raziskovalci IV – Lenart De Bock – Steps Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free 20.30 Lakiko Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 21.30 Teo Collori & Momento Cigano Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Thursday 29/7 16.30 .abeceda IV – Mojca Zupančič – Voronoi Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free 17.00 Denis Beganović Trio Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 18.00 AVISHAI COHEN TRIO feat. AVISHAI COHEN, Elchin Shirinov, Roni Kaspi Gallus Hall, 1st concert, EUR 25, 21* 18.15 Love Longing Loss, At Home with Charles Lloyd During a Year of the Plague, film Kosovel Hall, free tickets 19.30 Trokut Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 20.30 AVISHAI COHEN TRIO Gallus Hall, 2nd concert, EUR 25, 21 20.45 Love Longing Loss, At Home with Charles Lloyd During a Year of the Plague, film Kosovel Hall, free tickets 21.45 P‘Jays Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 23.00 Simulacrum feat. John Medeski, Matt Hollenberg, Kenny Grohowski/music by John Zorn CD Club, EUR 15

Friday 30/7 18.30 Oholo!

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 19.30 .abeceda IV – Rebeka Rusjan Zajc Solo Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free 20.00 Mirna Bogdanović Group Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 21.00 .abeceda IV – Luka Zabric – A.formal decay Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free 21.30 Pantaloons Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 23.00 Brian Marsella Solo Piano CD Club, EUR 15

Saturday 31/7 10.00 Boštjan Gombač & Petra Vidmar, concert for children Grand Reception Hall, admission free 11.00 Adis Sirbubalo Solo Piano Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 15.00 Žiga Golob Solo Double Bass 16.00 Caterina Palazzi Sudoku Killer /Clean Feed CD Club, EUR 15 (double bill) 18.30 Purple Is The Color Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 19.30 Mladi raziskovalci IV – Brina Kren – Crucial Encounters Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free 20.00 Chaos Magick feat. John Medeski, Brian Marsella, Matt Hollenberg, Kenny Grohowski /music by John Zorn, world premiere Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 21.45 Generator Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free 23.00 Arkos Quintet feat. Zlatko Kaučič, Marco Colonna, Massimo de Mattia, Boštjan Simon, Vitja Balžalorsky CD Club, EUR 15

We reserve the right to change the programme and event venues. In the event of rain, the Council of Europe Park (next to CD) concerts will be held in Linhart Hall.

Venue admission is subject to conditions in force on the day of the event.

The asterisk* indicates discounted admission prices (lowest seat categories) for people aged under 25, seniors 65+ and pensioners.

Ticket sales Cankarjev dom Box Office Prešernova cesta 10, Ljubljana (Maxi underpass) Open on workdays between 11.00 and 13.00, Saturday 11.00–13.00 and an hour before events. Tickets for the CD Club events are on sale one hour before an event in the Small Gallery.

For information please contact us at vstopnice@cd-cc.si, on weekdays between 11.00–13.00 by phone (01) 24 17 299 or follow CD’s social media (FB, TW, IG).

Further information: T 01 2417 153 E darinka.hvalec@cd-cc.si

Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre Ljubljana Prešernova cesta 10, 1000 Ljubljana Artistic Directors: Bogdan Benigar & Edin Zubčević Curator of .abeceda & Artistic Director and mentor of the Mladi raziskovalci programme: Dré A. Hočevar Coproduction of .abeceda and Mladi raziskovalci: Inštitut .abeceda Boštjan Gombač and Petra Vidmar‘s concert for children is organized in cooperation with Bobri, Ljubljana Festival of Arts and Cultural Education.

Cankarjev dom’s programme is co-funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia

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REPUBLIC OF S LOVENIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Jazz festival Ljubljana 2021

After introducing a unique concept of a virtual festival that reached world-wide audiences last year, which included live performances by local musicians and international artists whose exclusive videos blended seamlessly into an organic whole that was streamed online, Cankarjev dom’s 62nd Jazz Festival Ljubljana seeks to restore normality by providing live access to music-making, even if subjected to restrictions imposed to curb the COVID-19 epidemic. This is why we have decided to organise a festival exclusively for live audiences.

And what‘s in store? No more and no less than 25 concerts, including big-name star Avishai Cohen and a wide array of Slovenian musicians, with a special focus on the .abeceda and Mladi raziskovalci projects. The artists hail from as many as 13 countries, and we take great pride in accomplishing this during the pandemic.

Most concerts will take place in the Council of Europe Park (next to CD) and will be free of charge, while tickets will be sold for the six indoor concerts. In late July, the Jazz Festival Ljubljana will again become a vibrant hub of creativity and interaction. It will resume the interrupted building of a music community that, in the spirit of the festival, gains knowledge, raises awareness, examines and sifts new ideas, while offering a perspective on the past and a vision for the future.

And we’ll be having the time of our lives. Such is the magic of music festivals: we firmly believe that the Ljubljana Jazz Festival is one of these magical places.

Wednesday 28/7 at 20.00

Mladi raziskovalci IV – Lenart De Bock – Steps Slovenia

Lenart De Bock, saxophone; Klemen Kocijančič, piano; Domen Kužnar, viola; Luka Hren, drums; Samo Cizelj, electric bass; Neža Okorn, vocals

Young Researchers, a guided series of residences, concerts and performances, seeks to integrate a selected young artist into professional infrastructure and research environments. One of this year’s artists-in-residence is saxophonist and composer Lenart De Bock, who is currently completing his studies at Kunstuniversität in Graz. De Bock and his group will present his project “steps”.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free

Wednesday 28/7 at 20.30

Lakiko

Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Photo Oliver Look

Lakiko, cello, voice

Lakiko – aka Lana Kostić – was created in 2016 in the bowels of an EEG-machine in Biel. While using her brainwaves simultaneously with an instruction manual on what to play next, Lakiko created material that seemingly originates beyond the depths of human consciousness – a deeply buried part of our brain. This music – an impression of Lana Kostić’s musical biography – could not have been more manifold: influences of Bosnian music blend with classical music, breathy pop vocals with contemporary spoken word, driving beats next to nearly endless glissandi-loops and in between, again and again, the haunting sound of the cello.

While her 2020 JFL concert was streamed from Lana’s living room, this year the cellist will perform live at the Council of Europe Park (next to CD).

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Wednesday 28/7 at 21.30

Teo Collori & Momento Cigano Slovenia

Photo Nada Žgank

Teo Collori, lead guitar; Metod Banko, rhythm guitar; Matija Krečič, violin; Matej Kužel, clarinet; Jošt Lampret, bass

Guitarist Teo Collori formed Momento Cigano (initially a trio comprising two guitars and an upright bass), a band noted for its unique take on gypsy swing, soon after graduating in jazz from the Carinthian State Conservatory in Klagenfurt in 2010.

Collori proficiently translates the vibrant and danceable style of jazz – developed jointly by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli before World War II – into original compositions rich with imaginative arrangements and inspired solo flights.

The band has released three albums: Hot Club Piran (2015), Kamerato muzikante (2018) and Molto Aligatore (2019). At last year‘s festival, this all-star band performed before a very limited audience in Linhart Hall. This time, our outdoor venue will again allow free rein to these dedicated musicians, which is what they justly deserve.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Thursday 29/7 at 16.30

.abeceda IV – Mojca Zupančič – Voronoi Slovenia, Italy

Mojca Zupančič, keys; Ruggero Di Luisi, drums, laptop

How can we tessellate sound? For Mojca Zupančič, this has been an enigma for some time, and in the Voronoi Collective, together with Sicilian drummer Ruggero Di Luisi, she has been researching recurring patterns in music. They are fascinated by dichotomies such as continuous/discrete or improvised/composed, which provides a basis for generating their sound. Originating as fragments, the musical layers gradually merge until we are able to perceive them as a whole, as a complex and vibrant force.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free

Thursday 29/7 at 17.00

Denis Beganović Trio Slovenia

Denis Beganović, trombone; Peter Smrdel, double bass; Mario Babojelić, acoustic guitar Featuring: Matej Kužel, clarinet; Marina Mårtensson, Zala Smolnikar, voice

One of Slovenia’s most prominent trombone players, Denis Beganović is also one of the most industrious musicians on the Slovenian Coast. His album Senses came out a while ago – embellished with soundscapes and a cinematic atmosphere that activate all our senses, and the feelings they evoke are calming and pleasant. He is currently hard at work on his second album, Nuances, to come out this autumn. Denis performs with a trio, and together they enhanced the album‘s content to create a distinctive sound. Three acclaimed musicians will join the trio for their Jazz Festival Ljubljana debut.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

28–31 July 2021

29 July

Avishai Cohen Trio Gallus hall

Photo Andreas Terlaak

18.00 — ı 20.30

Thursday 29/7 at 18.15 and 20.45

Love Longing Loss, At Home with Charles Lloyd During a Year of the Plague Film

Directed by Dorothy Darr

In November 2019, Charles Lloyd made his highly acclaimed debut at the Pierre Boulez Saal. He was supposed to return for two concerts in December 2020 that had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Commissioned by the Pierre Boulez Saal, Lloyd’s wife, painter and video artist Dorothy Darr, set about creating a film portrait of the musician, documenting the time spent in isolation at the couple’s home in Santa Barbara, California. The project was initiated by Piotr Turkiewicz, who has closely worked with both Charles Lloyd and Dorothy Darr over the years and who is the Pierre Boulez Saal’s curator for improvised music and jazz. Shot over the course of several months using iPhone and Lumix cameras as well as a portable Zoom recorder, the film provides rare and intimate insights into the artistry of Charles Lloyd—including his reflections on solitude, resistance, social injustice, and his own ancestry, as well as a number of solo performances.

Explore the music of Charles Lloyd in our specially curated playlist, featuring a selection of tracks hand-picked by the artist and his wife, Dorothy Darr.

Supported by the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Kosovel Hall, free tickets

Thursday 29/7 at 19.30

Trokut

Slovenia, Croatia

Photo Jan Iveta

Jaka Arh, saxophone, electronics; Ana Čop, voice, effects; Luka Čapeta, electric guitar; Hrvoje Kralj, electric bass; Jerko Jurin, drums

Trokut is an electronic jazz group formed in 2018. The band’s repertoire consists of their original music inspired by contemporary jazz and different genres of electronic music. Their melodies and sound textures show influences of Kneebody, Radiohead, Squarepusher, Boards of Canada, Nerve, Madlib and different ECM Records artists. Their broad sound palette features different aspects of contemporary jazz such as improvisation over given forms and harmonic progressions, ambient music soundscapes, textures of modern electronic music, rock energy and the repetitiveness of minimalism in classical music.

Trokut have performed at different venues and festivals in Croatia and Slovenia, including Cankarjev dom (Zvončki in trobentice Festival) and the River Jazz Festival. The band’s various projects have been supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, Stadt Graz and ÖH Graz. Trokut’s critically acclaimed album Shapeless, released in autumn 2020 on London-based label Rika Muzika, was nominated for the prestigious Croatian music award Porin (Best Electronic Music Album of the Year) in 2021. As a group, they were nominated for the Rock&Off Award in the Jazz&Off category.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Thursday 29/7 at 18.00 and 20.30

AVISHAI COHEN TRIO Israel, Azerbaijan

Photo Sascha Bullert

AVISHAI COHEN, bass, vocals; Elchin Shirinov, piano; Roni Kaspi, drums

It has been twelve years since Avishai Cohen’s first and, so far, only appearance in Slovenia – at the 50th Jazz Festival Ljubljana in Križanke. Although Cohen’s JFL concert had been announced last year, the circumstances of 2020 prevented us from following through with our plans. That’s why we’re all the more excited at the news that Avishai is going to play two sets this year. Over the last two decades Avishai Cohen has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest bassists.

It is however as a composer that his musical expression has spread extensively throughout the world, attracting large live audiences and passionate fans. Avishai’s latest album Arvoles – the title means “trees” in Ladino (an ancient language spoken by the Sephardic people in the diaspora) – was recorded last year in Sweden and released on Cohen’s own indie label, RazDaz Recordz.

Cohen’s seventeenth album as a leader is clearly identified with Avishai’s own unique DNA and heartbeat. Arvoles makes you float between key trio songs with the addition of horns on several of the tracks, a working unit of deliberation, spirit, and an offering of real joy. It is a masterful musical statement.

In addition to Arvoles, Avishai’s CD concerts will feature glimpses into as yet unpublished material, presented with his dynamic trio consisting of an Azerbaijani pianist and composer, Elchin Shirinov, who’s been inspired by great musicians since an early age and who’s always known he wanted to become a jazz musician, and a newcomer to Cohen’s lineup, 21-year-old Roni Kaspi who’s been playing drums since age 7. Roni is currently majoring in Performance and Electronic Production and Design at Berklee College of Music, under professors Terri Lyne Carrington and Billy Killson. When lectures went online owing to the pandemic, Roni returned to Israel.

During lockdown, she performed virtually with Avishai Cohen on Facebook, which instantly developed into a strong musical connection and resulted in Roni joining Avishai on tour.

Don’t miss this exclusive concert experience, and get a taste of some inspiring music.

Gallus Hall, EUR 25, 21*

Thursday 29/7 at 21.45

P‘Jays Slovenia

Foto Nejc Zorz

Vid Šketa, Tomaž Gajšt, trumpet; Jaka Kopač, alto saxophone; Lenart Krečič, tenor saxophone; Blaž Avsenik, keyboards; Mark Žakelj, el. guitar; Jošt Lampret, bass guitar; Gaj Bostič, drums; Matija Krečič, Kaja Sešek, violins; Klemen Bračko, viola; Ema Krečič, cello; Miha Firšt, double bass

Pijammies, one of the recent years’ most fascinating attractions on the local jazz scene, take a new name. Released in September 2020, the band’s debut album was simply self-titled. After less than a year, the band changed their name to P‘Jays and recorded their second album, Raconteurs. Raconteurs is a concrete enhancement of their debut album – a record brimming with youthful, boisterous jazz fusion – and a broadening of horizons through the addition of a string quartet. This lineup may sounda bit conservative, but JFL is an excellent opportunity for P‘Jays to prove otherwise. The release of Raconteurs coincides with their JFL appearance when the stage will be shared by thirteen (!) actively performing musicians, in a show demonstrating that strings can be organically woven into a jazz outlet known as P‘Jays. One more thing; the new album will be available on platforms from 30 July, and LPs will be for sale at P‘jays Jazz Festival Ljubljana concert.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Thursday 29/7 at 23.00

Simulacrum feat. John Medeski, Matt Hollenberg, Kenny Grohowski /music by John Zorn USA

Martin Medeski Photo Michael Bloom Kenneth Grohowski Photo Avraham Bank

John Medeski, organ; Kenny Grohowski, drums, percussion, congas; Matt Hollenberg, electric guitar

The most extreme organ trio ever, Simulacrum is yet another wild new direction from Downtown alchemist John Zorn, who continues to explore new worlds and new ensembles into his sixth decade.

Dramatic through-composed pieces that unfold with a cinematic logic, this genre-bending music defies classification, touching upon metal, jazz, minimalism, atonality, noise and more. Passionately performed by an unusual all-star trio of John Medeski (MMW), Matt Hollenberg (Cleric) and Kenny Grohowski, this is powerful and fascinating music that highlights the MENTAL in experimental. Riveting!

CD Club, EUR 15

Friday 30/7 at 18.30

Oholo!

Slovenia

Photo Matej Zalar

Andrej Fon, tenor saxophone, clarinet; Jure Boršič, alto saxophone; Marko Jenič, violin; Andrej Boštjančič Ruda, guitar; Jošt Drašler, Tomaž Grom, double bass; Vid Drašler, drums

“Oholo! is a conflict. Camaraderie without a final consensus. A collective of individuals.

Mnogobolje (muchbetter), dissonance, polit-arsing, demo-cracking. Selves coming together in unlimited jazz. Boomers, but still younger and middle-aged generation.

Visions of the past. A reflection of the perpetual questioning of one and the same.

However, Oholo! is also interminable action, the staking of sweaty bodies. Hitting a bare wall, just below the nail on which a painting once hung. Seven Snow Whites.

Cotton swabs. Seven Dionysus’ goats. The spaced-out septet is Oholo!”

After an outstanding debut album, Mnogobolje (Zavod sploh, 2020), Oholo! promise to present their new material at the Jazz Festival Ljubljana.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Friday 30/7 at 19.30

.abeceda IV – Rebeka Rusjan Zajc solo Slovenia

Rebeka Rusjan Zajc, piano

The solo concert by pianist Rebeka Rusjan Zajc is an emergence of sound and real-time composition. In merging musical backgrounds, Rebeka aims to create her own energy through and within sound. Her concert is an intimate invitation to a possible experience of existence.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free

Friday 30/7 at 20.00

Mirna Bogdanović Group Slovenia, Germany

Photo Dovile Sermokas

Mirna Bogdanović, voice, effects, ukulele; Peter Meyer, guitar; Povel Widestrand, piano, synth; Phil Donkin, double bass; Philip Dornbusch, drums

After studying piano at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana Mirna Bogdanović pursued studies in jazz vocals, first in Klagenfurt and then in Germany, graduating from Jazz Institute Berlin under Judy Niemack, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Greg Cohen.

Noted for his work with J. Zorn, O. Coleman and T. Waits, Cohen speaks highly of Mirna: “Her sultry tone, expressive phrasing and total musicality make her the choice of many musicians ‚in the know‘.” Bogdanović has released her debut album this year, a subtle interlacement of classical vocal techniques and contemporary methods, which won the Deutscher Jazzpreis – “Jazz made in Germany” – for Best Debut Album of the Year. If at last year’s festival its contours could only be admired digitally, at a concert streamed from Berlin, this time Confrontation will be played live by an excellent line-up of Berlin-based musicians.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Friday 30/7 at 21.00

.abeceda IV – Luka Zabric – A.formal decay Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway

Luka Zabric, saxophone; Štefan Szabó, electric guitar; Ivar Myrset Asheim, drums

Following a number of promising sessions at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, where the Slovenian, Slovak and Norwegian musicians first met, A.formal Decay was initiated with the aim of strengthening collective sound and investigating different sonorities of the line-up. Their creative process derives from compositional and conceptual frameworks based on interpretation, (de) composition, restructuring, repetition and morphing of a given material, while using improvisation as the main tool for creating self-generated content in real time. Through these processes, the project addresses the inevitable “decay” of subject matter; depending on the pronunciation of A.formal, it can be interpreted as bound or unbound by formality, organic or mechanical, or oscillating in temporal interspace.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free

Friday 30/7 at 21.30

Pantaloons Slovenia

Photo Urška Boljkovac

Luka Belič, saxophone; Aljaž Markežič, sousaphone; David Nik Lipovac, drums Stella Ivšek, VJ 5237

The Pantaloons trio – bringing together three Pantalones or self-described „clumsy buffoons“ under this quirky name – was formed in 2016 by members of Chili Brass Band. The trio initially toyed with melodies and rhythms in jam sessions and eventually gave voice to their original compositions in electronic dance music seasoned with sublimated jazz, funk, breakbeat, dubstep and more.

Chosen by Radio Študent for the 2019 Klubski maraton, the Pantaloons exploded onto the Slovenian music scene and, through the support of 2020 INES#talent, played at MENT and Liverpool Sound City festivals. In early 2021, in collaboration with visual artist Stella Ivšek who performs under the stage name of VJ 5237, an online concert was streamed from Kino Šiška. More recently, the Pantaloons have released their first single and music video, L‘Amore Sulle Nuvole, to be featured on their upcoming album. With Stella Ivšek, the Pantaloons will play their first live concert at the Jazz Festival Ljubljana.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Friday 30/7 at 23.00

Brian Marsella Solo Piano USA

A pianist, composer, band leader, and educator rising in the ranks of New York’s young music stars. As a pianist, Marsella can be virtuoso and adventurous at the same time; critic Peter Margasak described his style as “Herbie Nichols or Bud Powell playing at warp speed”. Growing up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Marsella taught himself to play the piano by ear, listening to his father play the saxophone and vibes. His previous performances before Slovenian audiences have included acts with Trevor Dunn and Kenny Wollesen. As well as featuring in Banquet of the Spirits, Marsella is a key figure in John Zorn’s world, as a musician in his marathons and other projects. While his exclusive pre-recorded 2020 Jazz Festival Ljubljana concert was streamed online, we look forward to hearing him live this July.

CD Club, EUR 15

Saturday 31/7 at 10.00

Boštjan Gombač & Petra Vidmar Concert for children

Petra Vidmar, marimba; Boštjan Gombač, wind and brass instruments, sound objects, voice

A summer Saturday morning will be spent enjoying the sounds of a popular folk tune that Petra and Boštjan will enhance with numerous instruments and children‘s voices. Various wind, brass and percussion instruments and sound objects will complement the sound of marimba, and the icing on the cake will be the melodies created and enriched by children (and adults) in their own special way.

Grand Reception Hall, admission free

Saturday 31/7 at 11.00

Adis Sirbubalo solo Piano Bosnia and Herzegovina

Photo Dzenat Drekovic

Adis Sirbubalo, piano

Presented at the opening of the 24th International Jazz Fest Sarajevo in 2020, Adis Sirbubalo’s solo project will receive its live-audience premiere at the 62nd Jazz Festival Ljubljana.

The concert recording was released as live album by a Sarajevo-based record label, Gramofon. The solo project features a combination of original and traditional compositions, especially Sevdalinka songs, interpreted with great individuality and musical sensitivity on an instrument not commonly associated with the traditional music of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sirbubalo’s interpretations contain both echoes of great jazz pianists and classical music composers. His music is an organic whole. Neither an eclectic collection nor just another fusion, but a seamless whole drawing from different directions and sources, whether playing his own or traditional compositions. Adis Sirbubalo’s performance and repertoire sound like music of a single author.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Safety Measures at Concerts Cankarjev dom complies with all the instructions and recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health and follows all government safety and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV2. We have put comprehensive measures in place to ensure your visit to Cankarjev dom is a safe and comfortable experience – from disinfection of venues/premises, staff testing, intensive ventilation of venues with advanced ventilation systems, special protocols for the safety of performers and other participants in event preparation to configuring halls for social distancing with fewer seats available in accordance with government ordinances.

Pursuant to the Ordinance temporarily restricting the provision of cultural services to end-users, only persons who submit a negative test result, proof of vaccination or a medical certificate proving they have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 may attend public cultural events.

Responsibility for observing these conditions rests with each cultural event attendee.

Proofs are not required for visitors aged under 15 attending an event with close family members or guardians.*

Please help keep everyone safe by following these measures*: • • • • • •

Refrain from attending an event if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, Use the hand sanitisers before entering Cankarjev dom or a concert venue, Wear a face mask at all times*, Keep a safe distance and observe cough etiquette, Enter an auditorium individually, observe assigned seating and avoid moving seats; occupy only unmarked seats at events where assigned seating does not apply, Buy tickets online whenever possible www.cd-cc.si.

Venue admission is subject to conditions in force on the day of the event.

For updates visit Staying Safe at CD | Cankarjev dom (cd-cc.si).

Enjoy Culture and the Arts. Stay Safe.

Saturday 31/7 at 15.00

Žiga Golob Solo Double Bass Slovenia

Photo Nada Žgank

Žiga Golob, double bass

One of the hardest working and most distinctive bassists and composers, Žiga Golob is making his Ljubljana Jazz Festival solo debut. ”WhenI perform solo, I always improvise. It is true, however, that I change the approach to improvisation a little from concert to concert or even from ‘composition’ to ’composition’. Sometimes, this could be some loose description composed of two, three adjectives about the atmosphere I seek to create, and other times, I define the range of tones to start from or take an altogether different angle.”

CD Club, EUR 15 (double bill)

Saturday 31/7 at 16.00

Caterina Palazzi Sudoku Killer /Clean Feed Italy

Caterina Palazzi, double bass; Sergio Pomante, tenor saxophone; Giacomo Ancillotto, guitar; Maurizio Chiavaro, drums

Rome-born bassist and composer, Caterina Palazzi – one of Italy’s most prominent female musicians – has been successfully leading the Sudoku Killer quartet for over a decade. In 2010, Palazzi received the prestigious Italian Critics’ JAZZIT AWARD for Best Italian Composer, and her debut album, Sudoku Killer, was second-ranked Italian work.

All band members bring complementary artistic experiences to the band, ranging from jazz and rock to experimental music. The group features a concert activity of over 500 performances all over Europe and Asia. We’re in for a special psychedelic jazz noise treat.

“Sudoku Killer is perhaps the most modern, uncanny, north-European, open and sexy work that can be expected from Italian jazz today. It is neither jazz nor rock, but a small razor-sharp masterpiece. A featurette music for the restless soul.” Daily Fact CD Club, EUR 15 (double bill)

Saturday 31/7 at 18.30

Purple Is The Color Austria

Simon Raab, piano; Štěpán Flagar, saxophone; Martin Kocián, bass; Michał Wierzgoń, drums

After the success of their debut album, Unmasked, the Austrian-Czech collective are back with their second release, EPIC. The quartet’s aspirations are indeed nothing but monumental; “The Beatles of jazz, that’s the plan,” says bandleader and pianist Simon Raab with a grin on his face. After listening to their new record, it is clear they mean business. With EPIC, the fab four put together by the Austrian pianist come one step closer to the Jazz Olympus. Whether a musical epic or an unconditional commitment to the diversity of post- modernism, Purple Is The Color’s new album features a playful synthesis of ideas. With their second album, the Viennese four prove that their presence can no longer be overlooked by the international jazz scene. Intense, inspiring and beautiful.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Saturday 31/7 at 19.30

Mladi raziskovalci IV – Brina Kren – Crucial Encounters Slovenia

Brina Kren, saxophone; Mirjam Šolar, violin; Tilen Zlatnar, vibraphone; Jonatan Hudnik, electric bass; Sara Gričar, electric guitar; Martin Vasle, acoustic guitar, piano

Young Researchers, a guided series of residences, concerts and performances, seeks to integrate a selected young artist into professional music infrastructure and research environments. One of this year’s artists-in-residence is saxophonist and composer Brina Kren, a student at the Ljubljana Music and Ballet Conservatory.

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Old Tree Stage, admission free

Saturday 31/7 at 20.00

Chaos Magick feat. John Medeski, Brian Marsella, Matt Hollenberg, Kenny Grohowski / Music by John Zorn, world premiere USA

Martin Medeski Photo Michael Bloom Kenneth Grohowski Photo Avraham Bank

Brian Marsella, electric piano; John Medeski, organ; Kenny Grohowski, drums, percussion, congas; Matt Hollenberg, electric guitar

Nothing is true – everything is permitted.

Chaos Magick is a contemporary magical practice based on the ideas of Austin Osman Spare. Remarkably inclusive, it embraces and has influenced the work of William Burroughs, Robert Anton Wilson, Aleister Crowley and many others.

Inspired by these magical practices, Zorn enlists the three members of his most powerful 21st-century ensemble Simulacrum with special guest Brian Marsella on electric piano into this eclectic new quartet Chaos Magick. A fast moving, improvisational and intensely focused ensemble that draws upon classical, jazz, funk, improvisation, metal and more. This music is even crazier than Electric Masada – a must for all fans of the outer realms!

Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Saturday 31/7 at 21.45

Generator Slovenia

Anina Trobec, voice; Maksim Špelko, drums; Primož Špelko, bass; Tomaž Zorko, Marko Turk, guitar; Joseph Wheba, piano, synthesizer; Mitja Turk, saxophone; Gregor Turk, trombone; Tomaž Gajšt, Denis Androić, trumpet; Klara Klasinc, backing vocals

After returning from London in 2016, vocalist Anina Trobec formed the band with pianist Joseph Wheba at the Sokolc Autonomous Zone (the former “Sokolski dom” gymnastic club) in Novo mesto. While studying music and working as a sound technician in the UK, Trobec met Joseph Wheba, now her life partner. The couple then lived in India for a number of years and joined various projects. Generator brings together several generations of musicians (e.g., bass player and drummer are father and son), all dexterously engaging in eclectic, but fluent and groovy blend of jazz, soul, reggae, fusion and funk. The band released their debut album, Open Eyes, in 2018. Last year, when our festival could only feature them online, their single Sonce solidified Generator’s reputation as one of Slovenia’s most prominent bands. “A Dolenjska-cum-international musical gem.“ Izštekani, Val 202 Council of Europe Park (next to CD), Main Stage, admission free

Saturday 31/7 at 23.00

Arkos Quintet feat.

Zlatko Kaučič, Marco Colonna, Massimo de Mattia, Boštjan Simon, Vitja Balžalorsky Slovenia, Italy

Boštjan Simon Photo Nada Žgank

Zlatko Kaučič, drums; Marco Colonna, saxophone and bass clarinet; Massimo de Mattia, flutes; Boštjan Simon, saxophone and electronics; Vitja Balžalorsky, guitar

A group of mutually attuned improvisers, Arkos was formed on the initiative of percussionist and Prešeren Award laureate Zlatko Kaučič – who is making a Ljubljana Jazz Festival return appearance with this project – and Friulian flutist Massimo de Mattia. In 2019, the quintet played at Udin Jazz, featuring Evan Parker, and released an eponymous CD on Klopotec. For this exclusive performance Zlatko Kaučič has made some line-up changes, enlisting versatile Rome-born improviser Marco Colonna and Ljubljana-based guitarist Vitja Balžalorsky in addition to Boštjan Simon.

CD Club, EUR 15

Sound: Miha Arnuš, Jasmina Bernjak, Domen Novak, Drago Potočnik, Boštjan Repanšek, Janko Urbanija, Boštjan Zakrajšek Light: Franc Albreht, Samir Botonjić, Lovro Jevšek, Luka Malovrh, Tomaž Paternost, Gregor Plantan, Rok Rejc, Blaž Sinjur, Ian Stergar Video: Haris Atajić, Borut Osojnik, Janez Žagar Set: Miran Brunec, Luka Golec, Primož Golobič, Miran Gregorčič Odobašić, Lenart Japelj, Rok Jenko, Marko Skebe, Ludik Škulj, Matt Matej Tratnik Stage Managers: Miha Dovč, Mitar Perić, Dejan Pungerčar, Jelka Dobnikar, Goran Maslo Plečnik, Uroš Plestenjak ICT: Mensur Hodžić, Anton Kuhelj Backline: Andrej Šurk Administration: Tamara Habjanič, Irena Balantič, Vladana Spirić Transportation: Iztok Suhadolc, Selman Čorović Organisers: Damjan Gorenjc, Brane Kodrin, Janja Krivec, Staša Mihelčič, Renata Šebez Project Manager: Marko Bulc Head of Sales: Andreja Šteblaj Website: Tadeja Drolc, Jure Možina Festival identity: Edin Alibešter Social Manager: Medeja Medved Sponsorship, catering arrangements: Zvezdana Lazar PR Manager: Darinka Hvalec Festival Director: Bogdan Benigar Director General of Cankarjev dom: Uršula Cetinski

Catalogue Texts: Bogdan Benigar, Mario Batelić, Inštitut .abeceda Translation: Anina Oblak Design: Edin Alibešter Editor: Damjana Kenda Hussu Printed by: Silveco, Grosuplje, d.o.o.

Published by Cankarjev dom, July 2021 Represented by Uršula Cetinski, Director General