Whatclub

Whatclub
Photographer
Marcus Boman
Whatclub is one of the 13 nominees for the 2023 Nordic Council Music Prize.

Rationale

The Whatclub orchestra creates its own distinctive version of what is commonly called ‘gypsy swing’ or ‘jazz manouche’. The repertoire consists of standard pieces within the genre, evergreens and their own pieces with elements of different rhythms such as waltz, bolero, rumba and bossa nova. 

They also draw inspiration from folk and classical music. The members have immigrant backgrounds, which is reflected in the music and the way it has developed. 

As a band, Whatclub has enriched Åland’s music scene, played everything from folk dance to high-class concert performances and collaborated with guests such as cellist Svante Henryson and jazz musician Antti Sarpila.

 

The band was formed in the winter of 2006 by guitarist Richard Palmer together with guitarist Jochum Juslin and double bassist Kjell Dahl. In 2011, the trio was joined by violinist Andreas Nyberg. 

Whatclub has released four albums. The latest, Mariehamn Noir, was released in 2018.