Anna Emmeluth Quartet premiere with Jazz classic / Bye Bye Blackbird

While we typically traverse soulful Scandinavia waters, our journey occasionally transcends these borders, immersing us in Nordic jazz with its distinct threads of improvisation and daring experimentation.

Originally published in 1926 by Jerome H. Remick, Bye Bye Blackbird was composed by Ray Henderson and lyrically written by Mort Dixon. Since then, it has been covered by jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. It has also been covered by many other artists over the years, including Peggy Lee, Melody Gardot and Paul McCartney. The song was an excellent way to explore the combination of classic jazz elements with modern instrumentation to create a sound that was both familiar and new.

Enter the Anna Emmeluth Quartet, who add their own unique flair to this timeless classic with their cover of the song that glides at an invigorating tempo.

In this rendition, which precedes their forthcoming debut album, the band radiate an open yet rhythmic tone. The symphony of musicality intertwines gracefully, guided by Anna Emmeluth’s flowing, jazzy and soulful tones. Every single solo, from the energetic piano keys to the deliciously deep double bass, weaves together a rich listening experience. An aura of musical sophistication envelops the listener, a journey sustained across more than six minutes of sonic immersion.

Translated from Danish, Anna Emmeluth Quartet said:

“The music arises from very specific experiences in nature, where I lost myself in the world and just existed. It was a deep feeling of connectedness, where tranquillity settled in my thoughts. I wanted to create atmosphere and visual impressions with sound — much like a painter uses paint on their canvas.

So many things move so quickly today, and demands are high. I hope the music can create a breather in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so one remembers to open their eyes and ears and notice the wonderful things in the world”.

The Anna Emmeluth Quartet, a Nordic vocal jazz ensemble, was formed in Helsinki in 2019. The quartet consists of virtuoso pianist Juho Valjakka, innovative drummer Teemu Mustonen, spirited double bassist Nathan Francis, and the luminous, playful vocalist herself, Anna Emmeluth.