Jazz at the Heart of the Crane

Kranj was the stage for one of the standout performances of this year’s Jazz Camp, as the Primož Grašič Quartet, featuring Cuban guest artist Lazar Amed Hierrezuelo, delivered a masterclass in jazz. The concert took place at the Pungert venue during the annual Jazz Kamp Kranj, which has become a cornerstone of the city's cultural summer. The performance showcased the synergy between local and international musicians, blending Cuban energy with Slovenian virtuosity to create one of the festival’s highlights. The 23rd edition of the Jazz Kamp Kranj continued its tradition of bringing together top-tier musicians, young creators, and established masters, while reflecting the vibrant pulse of the city. Throughout August, the streets of Kranj buzzed with sound, keyboard melodies, brass lines, bass-driven rhythms, and spontaneous musical conversations filled the air. The festival, now firmly rooted in the cultural fabric of Kranj, has grown beyond just a series of concerts into an anticipated and essential part of the town’s summer rhythm. The festival’s programming this year was designed as a journey through the many faces of jazz. It began with the opening concert by Tonč Feinig Tria, followed by duets featuring pianists David Gazarov and Emil Spányi, the Big Band Krško, the international ensemble Manc Krivec & Rootation, Igor Leonardi’s tribute to Wes Montgomery, and the Primož Grašič Quartet with its Cuban guest, Lazar Amed Hierrezuelo. The latter performance, which packed the Pungert hall to capacity, stood out as one of the festival’s crowning achievements. The collaboration between the Cuban musician and the Slovenian jazz scene created a unique fusion of styles, highlighting the festival’s commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Other notable acts included the Slovenia Ska Jazz Collective and Swingatan, featuring the legendary Borut Bučar, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year. The festival will continue on August 21 with the Big Band Bled, led by Alenko Godec and Ano Bezjak, and conclude on August 22 with the beloved Prismojeni profesorji bluesa. These performances underscore the festival’s diverse lineup, which spans genres and generations, ensuring there is something for every music lover. The diversity of the festival’s offerings is no accident. “Jazz itself is a genre that has always connected with other musical forms and influences,” noted Gregor Grašič, one of the festival’s founders. This philosophy is reflected in the eclectic mix of ska, Balkan influences, blues, large orchestral ensembles, and contemporary approaches to composition. When selecting performers, the organizers prioritize quality, balance, and representation across age groups and nationalities. “We don’t aim to tell one singular story, we want to show how vast and alive the space we call jazz can be.” A key component of the festival has been its workshops, which have long served as the foundation of the event. After several years of hiatus, the organizers revived these sessions, offering participants the chance to refine their skills under the guidance of seasoned musicians. Topics ranged from keyboard and guitar techniques to drumming, double bass, electric bass, percussion, and vocal training. “These are things you often can’t learn from books or standard educational processes,” said Grašič. The goal was not just to teach technical skills but to inspire new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a renewed passion for playing. Many attendees left with newfound inspiration and a deeper connection to the art of music. For some artists, the Jazz Kamp has been a transformative experience. Manca Krivec Habjan, whose ensemble Rootation brought the Balkan Fusion Band to the festival, described the event as a turning point in her career. “The workshops at Jazz Kamp were the beginning of my musical journey and opened the door to the world of jazz I had always dreamed of exploring.” Her new work, Balkan Rose, reflects the influence of the festival and the collaborative spirit that defines it.