After two years, the time has finally come again and the jazzahead! Festival returns to the Glocke for the gala concert. Canada is the partner country of the 11th festival – and also the first from overseas. On the stage of the Glocke we present two top-class singers from the partner country in a double concert.

Laila Biali is no stranger to Bremen: In the showcase festival of jazzahead! she already thrilled the audience back in 2016. Now the pianist, songwriter and singer returns.
Her music is very much in the tradition of Canadian greats such as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Diana Krall or Michael Bublé, where influences from jazz, soul, blues, folk and pop flow together quite naturally. Stylistically, she impressively combines the conciseness and accessibility of pop with the playful openness of jazz – both in the intense and highly varied original compositions and in arrangements of music by artists such as Coldplay or David Bowie. Music full of passion and at the same time full of wisdom, played with soul and skill.

“She is an exciting and unique talent and I admire her greatly”. Sting

Line-Up: Laila Biali (voc, p), Ben Wittman (dr) and George Koller (b)

Malika Tirolien is a remarkable singer, songwriter and producer from Guadeloupe, now living in Montreal. She has received international attention primarily for her creative collaborations with Cirque du Soleil, Bokanté, Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orchestra, among others.
Malika Tirolien’s sublime voice immediately captivates audiences. In her thoughtful compositions, she presents exuberant emotion and a fresh look at different genres coupled with a deep understanding of jazz. Her love, passion and respect for music are palpable in every song, not least because of her radiant authenticity.

“Whether on that big stage or in an intimate club, Tirolien’s powerful, commanding voice has incredible range, warm tone and remarkable control …” NOISEY VICE

Line-Up: Malika Tirolien (voc), Nancy Dassas (back voc) Nadia Baldé (back voc) Jean-Michel Frédéric (keys) Philippe L’Allier (g) Mark Haynes (b) Harvey Bien-Aimé (dr) TBC (sound engineer)