Lembit Saarsalu

b. July 8, 1948 Roosna-Alliku

Lembit Saarsalu is a leading figure in Estonian jazz and the only jazz musician in Estonia, who has achieved international reputation as a mainstream jazz player. Before the disintegration of the Soviet Union, he was repeatedly voted the best tenor saxophonist in various polls. During the eighties Lembit Saarsalu has led several local and international groups. His duo with a Russian awarded pianist Leonid Vintskevich, called Jazz For Two, has successfully existed for twenty six years now. The harmonious and fascinating combination of the traditional and avant-garde jazz, Russian symphony music, Estonian and Russian folk music form the basis of the unusual style of music played by this duo, which draws attention of the listeners and jazz critics all over the world. Saarsalu-Vintskevich they were the first jazz artists allowed to visit the United States at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival under Soviet rule 1989.

Dr Lynn J. Skinner, executive Director of the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival: „Their great artistry and powerful message of love to the world with these tunes will unlock the hearts and souls of all who listen.“ (1989)

Lembit Saarsalu has taken part of hundreds of jazz festivals over the world, including reputable North Sea Jazz Festival in Hague and Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in the USA. Saarsalu has performed with several jazz stars, including legendary vibe player Lionel Hampton, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Elvin Jones, John Stowell, Eve Cornelious and many others. In cooperation with symphony orchestras he has performed several major jazz-symphonic works in Estonia and abroad. His clinic appearances have taken place in the Utah State University, Weber State University, Brighan Young University, Lionel Hampton Music School (Idaho University), in several schools in Germany, Finland and Russia. Lembit Saarsalu has participated in numerous recordings on CDs, made more that 200 recordings for the Estonian Radio. Saarsalu has released many LP, CD and DVD albums with Estonian, Russian, American, Swedish (Trio X of Sweden), and German musicians. In 2008 he was awarded by the Estonian Cultural Endowment of Estonia for high-level introducing of Estonian jazz on the international jazz scene. He is playing a Selmer-saxophone, which is a personal gift from Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

(2021)