Javentu/João Luís · Contriber & Philly Joe's TARTU

Javentu is the project of Jacob Gregersen (bass) and Vitus Denifl (saxophone & percussion). The duo moves within a hybrid musical landscape, combining groove-driven sound with influences ranging from Nordic jazz and chamber-like lyricism to vibrant elements of West African music, hip hop, and jungle.

Gregersen and Denifl share a strong connection to movement and rhythm, which lies at the core of their musical language. Danish-born bassist and percussionist Jacob Gregersen combines his work as a musician with a background in dance, drawing on experiences with West African and Brazilian rhythm traditions. Austrian saxophonist Vitus Denifl, trained in both music and movement pedagogy, brings a practice rooted in improvisation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exploration of sound as a physical and collective experience.

Together, they create music that emerges from interaction and improvisation, shaping minimalist materials into rhythmically rich and immersive soundscapes.

Their concerts create a compelling listening experience: poetic, intimate soundscapes alternate with driving, percussive club energy, always connecting with the audience in a direct and engaging way.

Their latest album CALIGO (feat. Thomas Mantl on drums and Marcelo Politano on flute), as well as collaborations with JazzIt, Mica Austria, and appearances on Ö1 Jazznacht (Austrian National Radio), have established Javentu as a distinctive voice in the Austrian jazz scene.

Javentu often performs as a duo, but in April in Tartu they will appear as a trio, joined by Helsinki-based percussionist and interdisciplinary artist João Luís. This flexible format allows for unique constellations and site-specific performances that expand Javentu’s sonic language.

João Luís’s work spans performance, education, and community-based projects, with a focus on rhythm, soundscapes, and collaborative creation. Over the past decade, he has developed a practice combining multi-percussion, electroacoustic experimentation, and movement-based performance.

Alongside his artistic work, he has extensive experience leading creative processes with young people and intergenerational groups, from long-term ensemble work to international community projects in South America. His practice continues to explore how sound, improvisation, and collective creativity shape contemporary performance environments.

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