LINE UP | JJAZZ Ensemble

At the heart of the Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble is its flagship Big Band, a powerhouse of jazz, deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in its artistic vision. Under the direction of Jievaras Jasinskis, the ensemble has redefined the Lithuanian jazz scene with bold compositions, dynamic performances, and innovative collaborations. The ensemble’s lineup is a testament to Lithuania’s thriving jazz community, bringing together some of the most talented musicians in the country.

The Big Band made its striking debut with the album American Stories (2022), followed by the LP edition, marking a turning point in Lithuanian jazz. Featuring compositions by Jasinskis and Janušaitis, the album blends cinematic storytelling with lush jazz harmonies and virtuosic solos. This was followed by the ground-breaking Deadly Dance (2023), an album that fused jazz improvisation with high-energy dance rhythms and vocals further proving the ensemble’s versatility.

Beyond their recordings, the Big Band has been a driving force in live performance. They played a central role in Vilnius’ 700th anniversary celebrations, delivering an electrifying live music experience in collaboration with the Vilnius City Municipality. They also took part in the groundbreaking movie-concert Vilniaus Pokeris (2022), directed by D. Ulvydas, bringing R. Gavelis’ literary world to life through their sound.

Their music was recognized abroad as well. In 2024 Big Band toured Denmark and took centre stage at AARHUS JAZZ FESTIVAL.

Extended line up:

Jievaras Jasinskis – trombone

Valdas Surdokas – trombone

Albinas Gražulis – trombone

Valentas Mãrozas – bass trombone

Povilas Jurkša - trombone

Tomas Ciūnys - trombone

Kamilė Makarevečiūtė - trombone

Tomas Botyrius – alto saxophone

Karolis Šarkus - alto saxophone

Leonardas Pilkauskas - alto saxophone

Liutauras Janušaitis – tenor saxophone

Mindaugas Apulskis – tenor saxophone

Simonas Šipavičius – baritone saxophone

Donatas Petreikis - tenor saxophone

Gediminas Strupinskas - piano

Pranas Kentra – guitar

Paulius Volkovas- guitar

Artūrs Duckis – double bass

Domantas Razmus – drums

Dovydas Šulskis - drums

Laurynas Lapė – trumpet

Apolinaras Dubauskas – trumpet

Valerijus Ramoška – trumpet

Mindaugas Vadoklis – trumpet

Dominykas Vyšniauskas - trumpet

While the Big Band showcases the ensemble’s full orchestral prowess, Vilnius JJAZZ 11 offers a more compact yet equally powerful configuration. Featuring a handpicked selection of 11 musicians, this smaller unit allows for more intricate interplay, diverse sonic textures, and an intimate connection with the audience.

This format has become a creative laboratory for Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble, allowing them to experiment with new arrangements, original compositions, and innovative performance techniques. While details of their upcoming recording "Odd Numbers" remain under wraps, the JJAZZ 11 formation is known for breathing fresh life into jazz standards, contemporary jazz works, and cross-genre fusions, making it a must-see act for jazz enthusiasts.

The ensemble’s commitment to innovation and genre-bending approaches continues with their fifth studio album, Odd Numbers, a project that features contributions from nine different composers within the ensemble, creating a rich and varied sonic experience.

Line up:

Jievaras Jasinskis - trombone
Valentas Mãrozas - bass trombone
Karolis Šarkus - alto sax
Liutauras Janušaitis - tenor sax
Simonas Šipavičius - baritone sax
Apolinaras Dubauskas - trumpet
Laurynas Lapė - trumpet
Gediminas Strupinskas - keyboards
Domantas Razmus - drums
Artūrs Duckis - bass
Pranas Kentra - guitar

Perhaps the most radical departure from traditional jazz is RAVENJAZZ, a bold fusion of rave music and jazz improvisation. Released in March 2024, this project embodies the experimental spirit of Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble, merging the raw energy of club culture with the spontaneity of jazz.

The trio at the core of RAVENJAZZ—Jievaras Jasinskis, Domantas Razmus, and Simonas Šipavičius—has taken jazz to new dimensions by incorporating cutting-edge performance technologies. With the use of sensor-based percussion, loop stations, and live sound processing, they redefine the concert experience, transforming each performance into an immersive sonic landscape.

Key influences include minimal techno, deep house, and ambient electronic music, all woven seamlessly into a jazz framework. This project is a direct challenge to jazz purists, proving that the genre can not only coexist with electronic music but thrive within it. RAVENJAZZ is not just a musical performance—it’s an exploration of movement, energy, and raw artistic synergy.

The project has already received international acclaim, securing performances at Tallinn Music Week, Aarhus Jazz Festival, and Vilnius Mama Jazz Festival. Future plans include an extended tour across Europe, bringing the hybrid sounds of RAVENJAZZ to an even wider audience.

Line up:

Jievaras Jasinskis - trombone, loop station

Simonas Šipavičius - baritone sax, electronics, loop station

Domantas Razmus - sensory perccusion

Released in January 2023, Saxcess is an album that spotlights the unparalleled skills of Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble’s saxophone section and a trombone. This project presents the saxophone not only as an instrument of melody but as an intricate storytelling device, delivering lush harmonies, explosive improvisations, and unexpected sonic textures.

This project was envisioned as a way to challenge traditional big band arrangements, offering a fresh take on jazz saxophone quartets and showcasing the extraordinary versatility of the ensemble’s players. The music within Saxcess bridges contemporary jazz with traditional swing, funk-infused grooves, and cinematic motifs. The album stands as a testament to the ensemble’s vision to break conventional molds and create something both sophisticated and deeply engaging.

Line-up:

Karolis Šarkus - alto sax, soprano sax, baritone sax

Donatas Petreikis - tenor sax, flute

Liutauras Janušaitis - tenor sax, flute

Leonardas Pilkauskas - alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet

Simonas Šipavičius - baritone sax

Jievaras Jasinskis - trombone