On the 2008 Program:Two outstanding musicians/composers will lead their international bands in an attempt to capture the present for posterity and record live albums at the festival:
Piano player Agnar Már Magnússon along with Ben Street (bs) and Bill Stewart ( drs ).
Alto saxophonist Sigurdur Flosason with Lennart Ginman (bs) and Jón Páll Bjarnason (gt).
Annual guitar party with Björn Thoroddsen. This years guests include Japanese and Belgian guitar legends Kasumi Watanabe and Philip Caterine.
German singing sensation Theo Bleckman solo performance. On the same bill we present Heiða Árnadóttir, an experimental singing talent with her trio that includes guitarist Hilmar Jensson. Also look out for Hilmar wih the Norwegian trio BMX.
Bass player/composer Tómas R. Einarsson has for 25 years been one of Icelands most productive jazz artists.
This year his contribution to the festival is a new program of songs written to the poetry of generations of Iceland’s finest literary minds. This has been dubbed “TRÚNÓ” or “CONFIDENTIALLY” and presents Icelandic singing sensation Ragnheiður Gröndal.
French bandoneonist Olivier Manoury has for many years mesmerized Icelanders with his tango infused improvisations. Now he visits with a magnificent trio of brazilian musicians.
Let’s not forget the great Sebastien Tellier who was the odd one out of the last European Song Contest. We present Monsieur Tellier in cooperation with Jón Jónsson Inc.
We will also enjoy a visit from our cousins in the Atlantic, because the Thorshavn Big Band will perform at the festival on their way to Greenland. Traditional big band stuff along with some Faroese influences.
The Reykjavik Big Band is the undisputed favorite of the Reykjavik Jazz scene. Their ambitious programs through the years include stints with Maria Schneider and Bob Mintzer.
This year they welcome Travis Sullivan to present a program of his arrangements of the music of international superstar Björk.
Singer Kristjana Stefánsdóttir launches her new hard swinging blues album, guitarist Ómar Guðjónsson also has a brand new album to be premiered at the festval.
Last but certainly not least the Reykjavik Jazz Festival is honored to announce that Mr. Taste - drummer Ed Thigpen and his Scantet will play on the last day of the festival - The Reykjavik Jazz Day of 2008 - August 30th. Bassist Jesper Bodilsen, pianist Olivier Antunes, trumpeter Anders Bergcrantz and saxophonist Tomas Franck team up with Mr. Brushes at what promises to be an experience to remember.
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http://web.mac.com/peturgretars/Reykjavik_Jazz_Festival_2008/Welcome.html
