How Kadri Voorand changed my perception of Jazz

This article is a repost from my old blog sound-a-word.

I never had a deep connection with Jazz music. Until the day I listened to Kadri Voorand live on stage.

It was spring 2019. I was in Tartu over weekend (the second biggest city in Estonia in the South of the country). On that weekend, Jazzkaar Festival was happening, one of the biggest jazz festivals in Estonia. Since the festival was celebrating its 30th anniversary, it also reached other cities and towns in Estonia, and Tartu was one of them.

For me, jazz music has always been a very random sort of music. A sort of music that I appreciated because it’s a music genre with a long history. And music has always played a very important role in my life. Therefore, I feel appreciation for all kinds of music. Nonetheless, jazz - until then - was a complete mystery to me.

But Kadri Voorand played on one of the nights.

Kadri Voorand is one, if not the most well-known jazz musician, composer, and singer in Estonia. Her music varies from contemporary jazz to pop jazz. She doesn’t only perform solo, but also in groups such as Estonian Voices or Avarus Ensemble.

I already knew her from Estonian Voices, a famous Estonian acapella band. But I had never really listened to her solo songs. So, I was curious and bought a ticket for her concert. I really wanted to see her live on stage.

It was an excellent decision!

That day completely changed my perception of Jazz music. I fell in love with this incredible artist and her music.

She is one of those full-blooded musicians who cannot only sing or play an instrument, no. She is an exceptional talent in both of it! Kadri plays the violin and classical piano. Her music is full of improvisation and that’s what creates the fascinating magic. In combination with her joyful and funny being she spreads good vibes and catches her audience.

On that evening in April at Eller Music College in Tartu, Kadri Voorand performed in duo with Mihkel Mälgand, the contrabass virtuoso. They’ve been performing together for quite some time already.

The combination of their talents creates a wonderful and magical music journey for the listener. The music is authentic and genuine. It’s inventive and improvisational. It’s a music playground created by poetic artists and mixed with electric toys. It creates a feeling of cosiness and comfort.

It felt as if you had invited two good friends who then suddenly came up with the idea to gift you with a private concert while you were sitting in the armchair in your cozy living room by candlelight or by the flickering lights of your fireplace, enjoying a cup of tea. They took us on a journey and gifted us with the feeling of freedom and living in the moment.

Kadri and Mihkel were communicating with the audience the whole time, involving us, making us a part of their performance.

We became observers of a music discovery tour in which everything was allowed.

Things were tried out and if they were found to be good, they were included into the performance.

Kadri was the star of the show. Her voice is unique, a strong and warm alto voice. Her being is full of joy and fun.

She has the power to catch your full attention, while always creating a harmonious atmosphere. She isn’t taking herself too seriously, always able to make a little fun of herself.

This makes her one of the most sympathetic singers with whom you’d like to sit down for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and chat about life.

Kadri Voorand is able to make you stop for a moment, and let you dive into a magical music experience.

On that evening in Tartu she got me. My world of music was shaken up. I entered a completely undiscovered little wonderland.

It made me look at jazz music from another angle and revealed a part of my musical soul that I hadn’t known before.

It’s not random anymore. Now, it’s a connection. An open door that still has so much to offer and to discover.