Jazzahead! 2026: day two

The first full day of events at Jazzahead! 2026 featured many, many meetings - some scheduled and some ad hoc - and great live jazz.

Before I heard any jazz, I interviewed the inspiring Sahad, a musician and activist from Senegal. That conversation - which I found life changing in several ways - will form part of the next Harmonious World episode.

The Joel Lyssarides Trio

My first showcase of the festival featured pianist Joel Lyssarides, who I interviewed back in November 2024. His trio’s performance was a complete delight and enjoyed by the capacity crowd: Late on Earth, their new album, is out tomorrow on ACT Music. This is a real fine trio, including Alon Near (bass) and Rasmus Blixt (drums) and I’m looking forward to reviewing the album soon.

Agnas Bros

Next up was a full set from Agnas Bros, who performed briefly with Norrbotten Big Band at the opening concert. For this dedicated show, they seem to enjoy listening to each other just as much as playing together. Four brothers - Kasper (guitar), Max (piano), Mauritz (bass) and Konrad (drums) - their music is rhythmically complex and engaging, so it’s not surprising they have five albums under their belt. Look out for more.

L’Antidote

L’Antidote were guests from another past episode of Harmonious World, this one just last October. Another packed main hall was delighted by the show. The trio - Redi Hasa (cello), Rami Khalife (piano) and Bijan Chemirani (percussion) - made the fullest possible use of their instruments to create another special evening. Redi’s use of the cello as if it’s a guitar, Rami’s plucking the piano strings and Bijan’s total control of an array of percussion equipment danced rhythmically through the global influences of this talented trio.

Networking today has been gruelling and inspiring in equal measure: I have also managed to book two more interviews, which will take place again in the Bremen Radio studio. I’m grateful to the radio station and their team for making that happen.

Inspiration has come from unexpected places and I am open to more coming tomorrow