Chico Matada | J TIKKA | Eero Savela Quartet – Jazz-Espa

Tuesday at Jazz-Espa features new sounds and jazz rhythms presented by drummer Chico Matada, saxophonist J TIKKA and Eero Savela Quartet.

13:30 Chico Matada
16:00 J TIKKA
17:15 Eero Savela Quartet

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Chico Matada is a Mozambique-born drummer, composer, and bandleader whose music blends African rhythmic traditions with modern jazz, cinematic arrangements and improvisation. Released in April 2026 by Eclipse Records, his latest album features a multinational ensemble of musicians. At Jazz-Espa, Matada presents his unique compositional language, where deep-reaching roots and modern expression converge. The music is simultaneously meditative and rhythmically vibrant—an invitation for the audience to pause, listen, and feel.

Rafa Postel – trumpet
Nikita Rafaelov – piano and synthesizers
Hector Lepe – guitar
Melik Turunen – bass
Chico Matada – drums

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J TIKKA is the solo project of saxophonist Jarno Tikka. On his recent debut album, Hear My Whisper, he blends jazz tradition with modern hip hop. The album is a captivating example of contemporary Scandinavian jazz, where Tikka’s soulful saxophone merges seamlessly with MPC drum machine rhythms familiar from the world of hip hop.

On the record, Tikka handled all instruments and production himself. In a live setting, however, the music comes to life through a brilliant ensemble, allowing the compositions to take on a new form.

Jarno Tikka – saxophone
Mikko Antila – vibraphone, keyboards, percussion
Eero Seppä – bass
Okko Saastamoinen – drums

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Eero Savela Quartet’s music is built upon the compositions of trumpeter and composer Eero Savela, which serve as the foundation for the ensemble’s interplay. Clear melodies provide an accessible surface, yet the band broad-mindedly pushes the music into freer directions. Released in August 2025, the album Way To was nominated for an Indie Award, and Tina Edwards of BBC Radio 3 ranked it among the best releases of the year.

The quartet’s musicians represent several generations and are well-known figures across jazz and various other musical genres. Their playing emphasizes listening, interaction, and a distinctive collective sound.

Eero Savela – trumpet
Seppo Kantonen – electric piano
Eero Tikkanen – double bass
Joonas Leppänen – drums

Jazz-Espa, organized by the Finnish Jazz Federation, presents the most current domestic jazz ensembles from July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Espa Stage. The concerts are free of charge, accessible, and suitable for the whole family. Events are subject to weather conditions. Follow our updates at jazzespa.fi and on social media @suomenjazzliitto.