Villu Veski, Photo: Elana Bazaly
Estonia

VILLU VESKI can only be described as a musical polymath. His versatility as a musician, composer, promoter, and lover of the arts is truly impressive. Veski finds a wide range of expression even within the narrow definition of saxophonist: one with equal range and sensitivity that transcends genres – from old swing to ethno-jazz and funky-groove – on both tenor and soprano.

Veski’s bold approach has led to projects as diverse as his collaboration with accordionist Tiit Kalluste on the NordicSounds albums, in which the two explore jazz and folk through their original compositions; and as a leader of groups such as Avicenna (1986–1990) and the Saxappeal Band. He has performed in many international festivals such as the Rochester Jazz Festival in New York, the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland, Natt Jazz in Norway, the Brussels Jazz Marathon in Belgium, and the British Saxophone Congress at the Royal Music College of Music in London. Collaboration with the British soul and jazz singer Ola Onabule has been taking Veski to many festivals around the world: South Bank Centre's Choral Festival at Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Lagos Jazz Series in Nigeria, the Istanbul Jazz Festival in Turkey, Burghausen Jazz Woche in Germany, the International Jazz Day RO, and many others.

Veski has collaboration projects with many artists around the world - Daniel Pipi Piazzolla (ARG),  Elvor (FO) Jan Gunnar Hoff (NO) Kristina Blak and Yggdrasil (FO) etc.

Veski is an artistic director of the Muhu Future Music Festival "JUU JÄÄB" since 1997. During 27 years the festival hosted some of the greatest jazz personalities, including Gilles Peterson, Bobo Stenson, Ola Onabule, Jazzie B, Robert Mitchell, Lee Oscar, Dwight Trible, Kurt Rosenwinkel etc.

Villu Veski workes as a music producer in Cultural and Educational Centre Viimsi Artium and he is creative director at digital and audiovideo production company KV Stuudio.

English