Hania Rani
GoGo Penguin

Judging by her musical training (she namely attended the prestigious Chopin University of Music in Warsaw), you might be forgiven for thinking that Hania was destined to become a classical concert performer. While piano music is at the heart of the numerous albums she has released in her name and to which she has contributed since 2015, Polish pianist Hania Rani opted instead for the keyboard as both a diary of her most intimate emotions and the cornerstone of her ever-evolving creative universe. Acoustic in its beginnings, her palette has deepened with every new album, borrowing as readily from chamber, pop music, ambient music, trip hop and minimalist electro, without ever sacrificing her delicate sensibility, even in her most grandiose phrases. Compositor Hania Rani has achieved yet another milestone with the release of her latest album in 2023. The superb Ghosts is an ambitious exploration of the themes of life and death, of her fears and secret fantasies. It is bound to sustain a sizeable portion of her first concert at Jazz à Vienne. Prepare for an emotional, truly sensory experience.

Line-up :

• Hania Rani (piano)
• Ziemowit Klimek (double bass)

The title of GoGo Penguin's sixth album, which was released last year, clearly sought to reassure: Everything Is Going to be OK. Admittedly, the departure of their long-time drummer subsequent to the coronavirus crisis somewhat punctured the unity of this Manchester-based band, which emerged on the scene around ten years ago. So, it would be an understatement to say that we are looking forward to seeing the trio back on stage in Vienne after their last appearance in 2019 — reassured, fueled with a fresh vitality, and accompanied by a new drummer of course alongside Mulatu Astatké, amongst others.

As for the music itself, it's just as addictive as ever: a hypnotic, mind-bending jazz built from acoustic electro that distorts sounds to better confound the senses.

GoGo Penguin seem to carry into jazz that peculiarly British miracle. Just how have our neighbours across the Channel fully penetrated the mysteries of pop music? Knighted by king Jamie Cullum and guardian of the aesthetic, Gilles Peterson, our favourite penguins clearly know the secret to their soaring, energising melodies. Gone are the Blue Note years; all hail GoGo Penguin in their new electro and neo-classic headquarters. New music, new label, new energy. Proof that penguins can fly!

Line-up :

• Chris Illingworth (piano)
• Nick Blacka (bass)
• Jon Scott (drums)