Emma Johanna Lepasoo & Johann Berby / Afro Baltic Grooves & Poetry

EMMA JOHANNA LEPASOO & JOHANN BERBY

Emma Johanna Lepasoo (EST) and Johann Berby (FRA) began their joint musical journey in the summer of 2024. Their fresh duo integrates original compositions from both artists into new arrangements.

Emma Johanna released her solo album "Armastuse hiis" (Sacred Grove of Love) in 2020 and represented Estonia during Estonian Art Month in Abu Dhabi in 2021. She has performed her work at festivals such as Juu Jääb and Augustibluus. Her second full-length album, based on the poetry of V. Afanasjev’s collection "Songs of the Silver Wolf", is set to release soon in collaboration with guitarist Grigori Rõžuk. In addition to her own compositions, Emma has given her warm voice to albums like "Metsakene", "Maailmatuum" (Rändaja), and "Üks ja ainuke" (Gerda Lõokene). Emma is also active as a voice actress, dubbing numerous children’s films.

Johann Berby is an award-winning solo artist and internationally acclaimed session musician. Renowned for his unique fusion of Maloya, jazz, and world music, his 2014 album Métisse Maloya captured global attention, blending deep grooves with soulful melodies. His album Metisse Maloya was featured on Air France flights for two years. As a bassist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Johann has collaborated with legends like Jan Garbarek, Trilok Gurtu, Marcus Miller, Zakir Hussain, Terry Bozzio, Yaël Naïm, Blick Bassy, just to name a few. He is the founder of the internationally successful online music school GROOVE LIKE A PIG®. Now residing in Estonia, Johann has embraced the Nordic atmosphere and brings an exciting exotic flavour to the Estonian music scene.

Philly Joe's Jazz Club is supported by Cultural Endowment of Estonia, the Ministry of Culture, Tallinn Culture and Sports Department, private patreons, and many more.