Aimla, Arder, Agan, Mälgand "Praise My Soul!"

Estonia

The group was founded specificially to play Estonian spiritual folk songs in a jazzy mood. They have also adopted some traditional church songs – they use them as a solid base for their improvisations.

• Siim Aimla

The main figure of the group, a saxophone player, a conductor and an arranger, he has studied in Estonia, Finland and Iceland. Siim is back in Estonia since spring 2004 to give valuable knowledge about jazz music and its secrets to new Estonian jazz generation in G. Ots Tallinn Music School.

• Helin-Mari Arder

A beloved singer and songwriter who has her very own style. Helin-Mari captures her listeners with her sincere and sunny attitude. She sings in Estonian, but apart from this project also in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Helin-Mari has graduated from G. Ots Tallinn Music School and continues her studies in Helsinki Polytechnic in pop/jazz music pedagogy.

• Ain Agan

One of the most popular Estonian jazz guitarists Ain Agan has been active for decades. Jazz is not his only love – he plays different kinds of music in different groups and leads the jazz-pop department in Viljandi Culture Academy.

• Mihkel Mälgand

Despite his young age Mihkel is a very popular bass player whose calendar is always full. He has graduated from G. Ots Tallinn Music School and has played in many jazz bands with the very best ones, among them John Scofield and Randy Brecker. We are happy to have such a good cornerstone for our improvisations and base for the whole group.

• Siim Aimla: +372 566 071 37 siimaimla@hotmail.com