New Note Lithuania compilation – an overview of the vibrant Lithuanian jazz scene
- Sept. 11, 2024
Music Information Centre Lithuania (MICL) has once again released the annual Note Lithuania compilation, which is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of Lithuanian music in various genres. After a four-year break, this year the focus is once again on the work of Lithuanian jazz musicians and bands. The album "Note Lithuania: Jazz 2024" features thirteen of the best Lithuanian jazz tracks from 2021-2024, which can be heard on mic.lt and Spotify playlists.
Thirty-seven tracks were submitted to this year's open competition and made it to the new jazz compilation. Thirteen tracks, submitted by Marijus Aleksa, Domas Žeromskas, SNUS, Fleitų 3, ILLUME, Agnė Pasaravičienė, Kaunas Big Band, 21st Century Quintet, Sheep Got Waxed, Quark Effect, Edson Ensemble, Tuomas J. Räsänen and Collaborative Jazz Septet, were selected for the new album after expert auditions and group discussion. The works were evaluated by music critics Domantas Razauskas and Vitalijus Gailius, musicologist and jazz historian Rūta Skudienė, former music editor of the European Broadcasting Union Julijus Grickevičius, and MICL director Radvilė Buivydienė.
"The motto of this year's compilation could be described as multidimensional relevance. It is an overview of the current jazz moods, not of extremes. In fact, as it has become customary, jazz in this album is more than a genre, it is a certain way of thinking and creating. It can be radical, authentic, actively seeking inspiration in other genres, countries and influences, returning home after various studies abroad. This collection perfectly illustrates the vitality of this music," – J. Grickevičius' impressions of the latest compilation.
"The participants of the competition were mainly jazz instrumentalists, arrangers, composers who combine jazz with folklore, but also those who play free improvisation. Many of the artists featured on the album are graduates from other countries, where international ensembles are often involved in creative and concert activities. In this playlist you will hear both well-known and new, but very promising performers and ensembles," summarizes Greta Jakobsonaitė, project manager at the MICL and producer of the album.
"Note Lithuania: Jazz 2024" will be distributed during the Wolrdwide Music Expo WOMEX 2024 in Great Britain, where the 30th anniversary of the event will be celebrated. The album will also travel with the MICL team to other important international music events, where it will reach professionals interested in various music genres, music journalists, festival and event organizers and cultural diplomats.
"Note Lithuania: Jazz 2024" playlist is available on the music listening platform Spotify and on the MICL's player mic.lt. The release of the compilation is funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.