Fredrik Erlandsson New York Nordic

Fredrik Erlandsson – trumpet (AX) 
Manuel Dunkel – tenorsaxofon (FI) 
Vladimir Shafranov – piano (AX) 
Kenji Rabson – kontrabas (SE) 
Jacob Melchior – trummor (DK)

One of Åland’s most acclaimed jazz musicians, Fredrik Erlandsson, brings together a unique quintet of internationally recognized artists. This top-tier ensemble performs together for the very first time – exclusively for this festival. 

Fredrik Erlandsson New York Nordic delivers swinging American jazz from the 1950s and 60s with a Nordic touch. Urban rhythm and the vibrant energy of New York meet the calm and colors of the North. Performing musicians: 

Fredrik Erlandsson, a jazz musician trained at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and a Doctor of Music in jazz improvisation from Åbo Akademi University. 

Manuel Dunkel, one of Finland’s most respected saxophonists and a long-time member of UMO Jazz Orchestra. He regularly tours across Europe, often alongside top American musicians. 

Vladimir Shafranov, a pianist originally from St. Petersburg, spent many years immersed in New York’s jazz scene and now resides in Åland, still actively recording and performing internationally. 

Kenji Rabson, a bassist born in Boston who moved to New York as a teenager and later settled in Stockholm, where he has become one of Sweden’s most in-demand bass players. 

Jacob Melchior, a Danish drummer who spent over 20 years in New York before returning to Copenhagen. 

Although these musicians have played together in various settings before, this quintet performs in this constellation for the first time. You might ask: “What does a band sound like that has never played together before?” That question touches on the very core of New York’s jazz tradition. A true jazz professional is expected to step on stage with anyone and make it sound like the group has played together for years. 

This is only possible when musicians share a common artistic vision and a deep understanding of what jazz is – and what it should sound like. The members of Fredrik Erlandsson New York Nordic share that bond – and that’s why the music will undoubtedly swing and sparkle on stage. 

This quintet is a bridge between continents and styles. Expect a concert where tradition lives, improvisation breathes – and music shines.