The ‘3 Days of Jazz’ Festival in Saalfelden Leogang has long established itself as a highlight of the jazz scene. From 24th to 26th January 2025, the compact yet exquisitely curated festival once again thrilled audiences with an exciting mix of national and international musicians, extraordinary venues, and a unique atmosphere. The festival was completely sold out and proved to be a worthy start to the 2025 music year.
A cinematic prologue: Shake Stew – behind the scenes
Even before the official start of the festival, Thursday offered a special prelude with the documentary "Shake Stew – Jazz für alle" (in german language). The ORF portrait of the celebrated Austrian band provided audiences with an exclusive insight into the creative process and visionary energy of the septet led by Lukas Kranzelbinder.
An atmospheric opening
Friday evening commenced in Saalfelden’s Parish Church with a captivating performance by Velvet Revolution. Daniel Erdmann, Théo Ceccaldi and Jim Hart presented their acclaimed trio, seamlessly blending chamber music and jazz into a harmonious unity. Their combination of precision and improvisational freedom set the stage with extraordinary intensity.
Later, at Kunsthaus Nexus, a double feature mesmerised the audience: AHL6, the Viennese ensemble led by Lukas Aichinger, surprised with an innovative blend of jazz, surf rock, and avant-garde sounds. Following this, Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity delivered an electrifying sonic firework, captivating listeners with virtuoso dynamics and rhythmic power, enhanced by brilliant saxophonists Signe Emmeluth, Kjetil Møster, and Eirik Hegdal.
A Saturday of diversity
Saturday showcased the festival’s full spectrum. Enemy, the trio featuring Kit Downes, Petter Eldh, and James Maddren, impressed with technical brilliance and compelling rhythms at Kunsthaus Nexus. Subsequently, Laura Jurd and her quartet provided a refreshing counterpoint by merging jazz, British alternative rock, and 70s influences into a distinctive sound. Another standout was the Sun-Mi Hong Quintet, whose perfect balance of composition and improvisation captivated audiences with its emotional depth.
At the AsitzBräu, located in the heart of the ski resort ‘Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn’, The Hot Rods entertained with a midday rock’n’roll concert against the breathtaking backdrop of the Leogang mountain range.
A quiet, intense finale
Sunday took the festival into the intimate setting of the Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang. Here, Laura Jurd and Petter Eldh created an almost meditative atmosphere with minimalist expression and subtle nuances. The festival concluded with a crowning performance by Asja Valcic and Raphael Preuschl. With cello and bass ukulele, they took the audience on a sonic journey that encapsulated the festival’s essence – the joy of improvisation and the pursuit of new musical expressions.
Conclusion: A festival that unites
The eighth edition of the ‘3 Days of Jazz’ Festival in Saalfelden Leogang was an extraordinary experience, pushing the boundaries of jazz while preserving its core essence. With its diverse programme, exceptional venues, and open approach to innovation, the festival remains a cornerstone of the European jazz scene – and a successful start to the 2025 music year.
We look forward to welcoming you back at the 45th Jazzfestival Saalfelden, which invites music enthusiasts from around the world to embark on an exciting journey of sound discovery from 21st to 24th August 2025.
