Jazz Autumn in Västernorrland: Four Unique Tours Offer a Vibrant Selection of Styles

This autumn, jazz takes center stage as Musik Västernorrland presents a broad and varied concert series throughout the county. Four distinct acts each provide a unique perspective on the multifaceted expressions of jazz, where soulful vocal jazz and swinging big band energy share the program. The combination of established and new voices creates opportunities for powerful experiences for both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and curious new audiences.

A Season Characterized by Musical Breadth and a Spirit of Discovery

This autumn's program features Emma Denward Quintet, Maja Mannila Trio, Tilde Schweitzer Big Band, and Norrbotten Big Band with guest Jacob Mann. Each ensemble has its own clear character, giving each concert a unique flavor in the region’s jazz autumn.

Emma Denward Quintet opens the season with performances on September 7 in Sundsvall, September 9 in Härnösand, and September 11 in Örnsköldsvik. The quintet is known for its modern Nordic jazz with a strong emphasis on lyrics, melody, and improvisational presence. Emma Denward’s expressive vocals and songwriting skills take center stage, surrounded by some of Sweden’s foremost jazz musicians in a vibrant, communicative interplay.

Next up is Maja Mannila Trio, performing October 5 in Sundsvall, October 7 in Härnösand, and October 9 in Örnsköldsvik. Maja Mannila distinguishes herself as a vocalist, pianist, and composer, and together with her trio delivers original songs in English where jazz, R’n’B, soul, and gospel merge into a contemporary and personal expression.

On October 19, the acclaimed Norrbotten Big Band visits Sundsvall for an exclusive concert together with Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Jacob Mann. Here, exciting musical encounters between tradition and renewal are promised—Mann weaves elements of jazz, funk, and modern influences into the big band format. The concert is part of the project Musik i Norr, a collaboration between the music institutions in the four northernmost counties.

The season concludes with Tilde Schweitzer Big Band, offering powerful big band jazz rooted in the swing tradition but with a contemporary and youthful take. Led by trombonist and arranger Tilde Schweitzer, the band is inspired by giants like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, but adds its own modern arrangements blending new and classic. The act visits Sundsvall on November 16, Härnösand on November 18, and Örnsköldsvik on November 20.

The program thus gathers a wide spectrum of jazz styles—from intimate lyrical expressions to sweeping big band sounds—and reflects the region's long-term effort to promote both new talents and established names. The concert series gives audiences several opportunities to experience the immediacy and artistic vitality of jazz on some of Västernorrland’s liveliest stages.

• Emma Denward Quintet: September 7 (Sundsvall), September 9 (Härnösand), September 11 (Örnsköldsvik)
• Maja Mannila Trio: October 5 (Sundsvall), October 7 (Härnösand), October 9 (Örnsköldsvik)
• Norrbotten Big Band & Jacob Mann: October 19 (Sundsvall)
• Tilde Schweitzer Big Band: November 16 (Sundsvall), November 18 (Härnösand), November 20 (Örnsköldsvik)

With this initiative, Musik Västernorrland once again demonstrates its commitment to making high-quality jazz accessible, encouraging encounters with new artists, and at the same time celebrating the genre’s deep roots and versatile possibilities.