Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival gathers the eminent Croatian and world musicians. The first festival was held in 2003 and since then it has been known among the audience as a festival of top-level interpretations of renowned musicians in the unique amphitheater ambient at the Vodice waterfront.
Stylewise, this festival extends from classic rhythms of swing and dixieland to more contemporary genres like fusion and free jazz. In the course of three nights, the festival attracts about 1,500 jazz music lovers, and the entrance is free. The organizer of the festival is the Vodice Tourist Board.
Program:
17.07. Saxofaction ft. Valerija Nikolovska
Saxofaction is a brand led by renowned saxophonist Drago Jakovčević, a prominent name on the Croatian jazz and pop scene. Throughout his rich career, he has performed with legends of the domestic jazz world, such as Boško Petrović, Mario Mavrin, Salih Sadiković, Damir Dičić, Igor Lešnik and many others. In this top-tier lineup he is joined by Valerija Nikolovska, one of Croatia’s most admired jazz vocalists. Her impressive vocal interpretations and stage charisma have been recognised with numerous awards from music associations and critics, and she has performed at major jazz festivals both at home and abroad. Viktor Lipić, a pianist known for his distinctive expression, brings to the stage a unique blend of technique, emotion and refinement, earning him high respect from critics. Driving the rhythmic power is Janko Novoselić, undoubtedly the best jazz drummer of the younger generation, a member of the HRT Jazz Orchestra and a sought-after collaborator with many domestic and international musicians.
At their concert as part of the Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival, this ensemble of top musicians will deliver unforgettable interpretations of jazz classics rooted in swing and blues.
18.07. Raphael Wressnig & Soul Gift
Raphael Wressnig is no ordinary organ player. With great confidence, he unleashes the pyrotechnic power of the grand Hammond B‑3 organ and proudly leads what he calls “organ-heavy soul & funk.” Wressnig’s passionate imagination crafts exciting, genre-blending music. His fluency in soul, funk, jazz and blues has earned him international critical acclaim and multiple nominations for “Organist of the Year” by DownBeat critics and readers, one of the world’s most respected specialised music publications.
His catalogue features around 20 albums, including two live recordings and standout titles such as Soul Gumbo and Chicken Burrito. Soul Gumbo, recorded in New Orleans, includes prominent City artists like Grammy-winner Jon Cleary, George Porter Jr., drummer Stanton Moore and R&B legend Walter “Wolfman” Washington. Chicken Burrito was recorded with longtime collaborator Alex Schultz on guitar and funk drummer legend James Gadson.
In Wressnig’s style and sound, old-school meets new-school: authentic soul and deep blues fused with a contemporary funk edge, creating a unique musical experience. Together with his band Soul Gift, he demonstrates how vibrant and powerful soul, blues and funk are in today’s world, bringing the audience a fresh perspective on these classic genres. The lineup is completed by standout musicians – guitarist Enrico Crivellaro and drummer Eric Cisbani – who deliver precise, powerful performances full of passion and style.
19.07. Renato Chicco & Lori Williams Band
Musical versatility, an outstanding voice and strong stage presence, combined with an impeccable sense for the moment — these qualities define Washington, D.C.–based jazz singer Lori Williams. Her unique voice enchants audiences, transporting them to another world and touching their hearts. As she masters and interprets many facets of jazz, her voice is among the most sought-after in her country. Not only is she an exceptional jazz, soul and gospel vocalist, but also a talented musical actress, vocal coach and composer. As a performer, Lori was nominated for a 2014 Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Ella Fitzgerald in Ladies Swing the Blues: A Jazz Fable, which enjoyed a very successful run in the USA.
Lori and her top-tier band have developed a programme that spans a wide range – from traditional to modern jazz. She is joined by virtuoso saxophonist Bernhard Wiesinger and Christian Havel, one of Europe’s leading jazz guitarists. The dynamic Slovenian pianist Renato Chicco lived for a long time in New York City, where he played with many well-known artists in the international jazz scene. The band’s rhythm section includes Joris Dudli on drums and Milan Nikolić on bass. This lineup has toured extensively, backing jazz greats such as Benny Golson, Vincent Herring, Jeremy Pelt and many more.
The band members first met a few years ago at an international jazz clinic in Poysdorf, Austria. Since then, they have toured together and recorded the CD 13.03 Thirteen “O”-Three under Christian Havel’s name. This exceptional singer and five outstanding musicians are ready to take you on an exciting musical journey through the wonderful world of jazz.
Author: vodice.hr / dalmatiasibenik.hr
Photography: P. Grgurev
