April Jazz Club: Sam Ospovat Expressive Olympics (US/FI) 10.5.2024
“Sam Ospovat can now be grouped with of other pioneering drummer/songwriters – such as Ches Smith, Kate Gentile, Dan Weiss, and Tyshawn Sorey – artists who fearlessly go against the mainstream of jazz.” (JazzTimes)
Ospovat’s multi-level drumming has singled him out directly into the lineups of some of the most diverse and progressive performers in the New York underground, including Angelica Sanchez, Ava Mendoza, Brandon Seabrook, and Lydia Lunch, among others.
Ospovat’s latest project, Expressive Olympics – inspired as much by Arthur Blythe’s rich and vibrant musical language as by Cecil Taylor’s meditative disorder – showcases a unique and personal set of musicians from the heart of the New York and Finnish music scenes.
Ospovat’s transatlantic ensemble features two of Finland’s most renowned musicians, alto saxophonist Mikko Innase and guitarist Raoul Björkenheim, as well as New York tenor saxophonist Matt Nelson and Tim Dahl on untaped electric bass. The music combines avant-garde (free improvisation, polyrhythms) and traditional jazz elements (swing, song structure), making it a deliciously provocative encounter for all jazz lovers.
Sam Ospovat – Drums and compositions
Mikko Innanen – Alto saxophone
Matt Nelson – Tenor saxophone
Raoul Björkenheim – Guitar
Tim Dahl – Bass
The evening starts with a performance by students of Espoo Music College’s pop/jazz line Ebeli at 18:00.