Meet me under the Polar Lights

The finest jazz with a Finnish touch

Modern vocal jazz meets the melancholy and joie de vivre of the Finnish soul: just as her anthem “Land of The Midnight Sun” represents her homeland Finland, Tuija Komi’s program Meet me under the Polar Lights in the Silbersaal illustrates the exceptional status of the singer, who lives in Germany. Like no other, Komi enriches classic jazz singing with themes, lyrics, and sounds from her Nordic origins.

Sounds from the North

Tuija Komi has long helped ensure that when people think of the “Nordic Sound,” they think not only of Norway and Sweden, but also of Finland. Born in Finland with Karelian roots but having lived in Germany for decades, the jazz singer has increasingly expanded her classic jazz repertoire to include Finnish elements. With one exception, all the songs in the program, as well as on her current album “My Way Of Doing It,” have a direct connection to Finland. At least one composer or songwriter from her home country was involved in each track. In addition, there are several songs written by Komi herself.

Diverse Repertoire

The result is an evening that introduces the audience to the diversity of Finnish culture as well as the artist’s own versatility. From adaptations of film scores and children’s songs to famous classics by the Finnish rock band The Rasmus and Finland’s national composer Jean Sibelius, all the way to Komi’s own compositions inspired by Finnish nature: Everything is carried by her extraordinary voice, which boasts an enormous range, crystal-clear brilliance, and immense power. Thanks to her charisma and charming presentation, the many stories go straight to the hearts of the audience.

Line-up

Tuija Komi – vocals
Peter Cudek – bass
Martin Kolb – drums
Stephan Weiser – piano