Siim Aimla 50! Marianne Leibur, MUBA vokaalansambel & EDBB “21. sajandi bluus” • Jõulujazz 2024

Siim Aimla, one of the most influential figures on the Estonian jazz scene, is celebrating his fiftieth birthday on 1 November – a milestone that deserves a grand celebration! At this year’s Christmas Jazz festival, the devoted saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and renowned band leader will premiere his brand new work, 21st Century Blues, a piece Aimla says he wrote for the big band of his dreams.

Siim Aimla and the Estonian Dream Big Band have shared the Jazzkaar stage with numerous international soloists. Aimla’s jazz ventures – ranging from trios to orchestras and several albums – are just the visible portion of his expansive musical career. Alongside his performances and compositions, Aimla dedicates a significant part of his time to shaping the instrumental rhythm music programme at MUBA, where he leads the school’s big band and teaches saxophone, ensemble playing and arranging. While his passion for jazz and funk runs deep, Aimla has never confined himself to a single genre; his talents extend to rap, pop and even musicals. He believes that moving fluidly between different styles is key to preserving his creative freedom and vitality as both a musician and a composer.

In addition to the brand new work created specifically for this year’s Christmas Jazz, the concert will feature highlights from Siim Aimla’s finest compositions. Joining the jubilarian and the Estonian Dream Big Band on stage will be soloists Marianne Leibur, Rahel Talts, Meelis Vind, Raivo Tafenau, Aleksander Paal and the MUBA Vocal Ensemble. The lyrics for the performance have been written and compiled by the renowned poet Jürgen Rooste.

Line up:

Siim Aimla – composer, conductor
Marianne Leibur – vocalist
MUBA vocal group – vocals
Aleksander Paal – saxophone
Raivo Tafenau – saxophone
Meelis Vind – saxophone
Sulev Sommer – saxophone
Jaak Oserov – trumpet
Mihkel Metsala – trumpet
Jason Hunter – trumpet
Allan Järve – trumpet
Ivar Kiiv – trombone
Andrus Karjel – trombone
Guido Kongas – bass trombone
Eduard Akulin – trombone
Rahel Talts Petreikis – piano
Eno Kollom – drums
Peedu Kass – double bass
Jaan Jaanson – guitar

Thanks: Noblessner