Claude Tchamitchian In Spirit + Poetic Power trio

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this autumn producer Charles Gilin Vapaat äänet presents at the RioLive concert the veteran bassist and composer Claude Tchamitchian's solo “In spirit” and trio Poetic PowerThe French bassist arrives in Finland by land and brings with him the renowned Jean-Francois Jenny-Clarken double bass.

Premiered in 2018, In Spirit is Claude Tchamitchian’s third solo project, and it is dedicated to the late legendary bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-Clarkille (1944–1998). It differs from Tchamitchian’s earlier works because, for the first time in his compositional process, he “heard” the music in his mind in advance. He felt the need to develop a new scordatura for the piece — an open tuning based on diminished fifths (E♭–A–E♭–A).

This tuning evokes the sound of the Armenian bowed string instrument known as the kamancha and connects closely with Tchamitchian’s cultural roots. He realized that his own double bass could not accommodate the music, since its structure would not endure the strain imposed by such an unconventional tuning. The story came full circle when, through a chain of happy coincidences, Tchamitchian acquired one of these rare instruments. Jenny-Clarkin It gives the work a powerful emotional and historical significance.

In Spirit It has received widespread acclaim as a major work for solo double bass and has been praised for its emotional depth, technical innovation, and spiritual intensity.

After the intermission, audiences will hear the ensemble founded by Tchamitchian in 2019 trio Poetic Power The ensemble continues the bassist’s work for a large orchestra, reimagined and arranged for a trio format. The trio features some of the leading figures of the French jazz scene. saxophonist Christophe Monniot and drummer Eric Echampard.

According to Tchamitchian himself, the trio’s airy virtuosity and profound creativity ensure a fluid dialogue within a compositional framework that leaves ample room for the musicians to move freely. This poetic and lyrical journey keeps its feet firmly on the ground while its head remains in the clouds.“Never has Tchamitchian’s bass, which provides the trio with its solid foundation, sounded so lyrical and songful,” writes Nicolas Dourlhès of Citizen Jazz about the album Poetic Power (Emouvance, 2020), which features the American drummer Tom Rainey.

A self-taught double bassist Claude Tchamitchian (born 1960) continued his studies at the Avignon Conservatory in 1983. An intuitive and ambitious bassist, he has developed his own distinctive voice both through solo projects and as a member of ensembles with other musical partners. He has performed with numerous musicians, including the French artists Michel Portal, Näissam Jalal, and Henri Texier, as well as international musicians such as Jimmy Giuffre, Eric Watson, Linda Sharrock, and Joe McPhee. He has also performed with folk musicians, including the Greek artist Angelica Ionatos, and as a duo with kamancha master Gaguik Mouradian. He founded the production company and record label Emouvance in 1994.

Tchamitchian’s eventful history in Finland is closely intertwined with producer Charles Gil’s Vapaat äänet concert tours, whose journey began 30 years ago. He took part in the very first Vapaat äänet tour in November 1996 as a member of trombonist Yves Robert’s quartet. Over the years, he has returned to Finland nearly 20 times, performing on tours and at festivals throughout the country.

Among his many visits to Finland, notable appearances include his 15-piece Grand Lousadzak Orchestra at Tampere Jazz Happening in 2000, several tours with pianist Andy Emler’s ensembles and the MegaOctet, as well as performances in a trio with drummer Eric Echampard, which on one occasion expanded into a quartet featuring Dave Liebman at April Jazz in 2013. He also appeared with flautist Naïssam Jalal’s trio at the Raahe Rantajatsit Festival in 2019 and on a Finnish tour in 2022.

Claude Tchamitchian “In spirit”
Claude Thamitchian, double bass, composition

Claude Tchamitchian Poetic Power
Christophe Monniot, alto saxophone
Claude Tchamitchian, double bass, composition
Eric Echampard, drums

Duration approx. 2 h (including intermission).
19:00-19:30 Claude Tchamitchian ”In Spirit” (only parts of composition)
19:30-19:50 break
19:50-20:50 Poetic Power trio

Tickets

24 € regular
15 € pensioner
10 € discount groups

Prices include handling fees.

The Kaikukortti is accepted for the concert, but the number of seats is limited.

Ticket Sales Locations

Ticketmaster Finland throughout Finland. Prices include service charges. Tickets without service charges are available from the Valve Ticket Office. An additional order fee applies: €3 per order through the Ticketmaster online store or €1.50 per order through Ticketmasters online store when buying.

The Kaikukortti is accepted for the concert, but the number of seats is limited.

Ticket Sales Locations

Ticketmaster Finland whole Finland.
Oulu Sinfonia, Leevi Madetojan katu 1-3.
Cultural Centre Valve ticket office, Hallituskatu 7.
At the door an hour before the event, if available.

Accessibility  

At RioLive, there are stairs to the lobby, performance space, and restroom. The seating area is raised. The venue does not have accessible restroom facilities or an elevator.

The organizer reserves the right to make changes.