Aarhus Jazz Orchestra is one of the leading big bands in Europe and continues to attract, impress and overwhelm audiences as well as music critics with great musical experiences.

Aarhus Jazz Orchestra consists of some of the best musicians from the Danish jazz scene, and over the years the orchestra has worked with some of the greatest jazz icons of our time, including Kurt Elling, John Scofield, Peter Erskine, Jamie Cullum, Jon Balke, David Sanborn, Melody Gardot, Geir Lysne, David Liebman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many others.

The orchestra reaps great reviews for its concerts and releases and has been nominated several times at the Danish Music Awards Jazz. In 2016, the orchestra won in the categories ‘Danish Jazz Release of the Year’ and ‘Danish Jazz Composer of the Year’ for Jakob Buchanan’s work Buchanan Requiem. In 2019 Aarhus Jazz Orchestra won the Jazz Denmark-price for "most innovative concert format".

Abekejser was founded in 2015 in the city of Aarhus. The four young musicians with a background in Jazz and World-Music decided to combine their individual ideas through a common musical vision.

The musical approach was deliberately electronic from the get go in terms of Instrumentation and production – so they created an urban universe between jazz, beats and electronica that shares some musical ground with bands like Snarky Puppy or Jaga Jazzist but follows its very own rules by doing so!

Take five contemporary jazz musicians mixing feel-good repertoire and soul-infused grooves and you’ll be some way towards understanding the sound of Danish group Acoustic Lounge.

Following the success of their debut album which garnered over two million streams worldwide, the group is back with a bigger, bolder recorded statement featuring some of Denmark’s most esteemed jazz musicians.

With its two founders – Mikkel Schnettler and Michael Hartvig – on percussion, the atypical quintet line-up is completed with the smooth, soulful vocals of frontman Søren Baun, celebrated bassist Jesper Bodilsen and saxophonist Claus Waidtløw.

Acoustic Lounge’s sound is relaxed, easy-going, and playful. One hardly notices the omission of a traditional drum kit, as their percussion-heavy sound lays a foundation of rich, latin-influenced grooves. At a concert with Acoustic Lounge nothing is as it seems. What at first glance seems to be an easy-going smooth jazz experience opens up to be an intriguing world full of surprising new arrangements.

The repertoire provides some refreshing interpretations of their diverse program. From well known jazz standards such as the title track ‘Alone Together’ or Jobim’s ‘One Note Samba’, to pop classics like Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, to the 21st Century anthem that is Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’, the record is united by a sound which makes each song their own.

The quintet preserves the essence and feeling of each composition and gives them a modern twist, be it through pop and neo-soul harmony, melodic saxophone solos, multi-tracked backing vocals, or entirely original passages of music within songs that every listener will recognize.

Bassist Jesper Bodilsen, winner of the Django d’Or Prize as ‘Performer of the Year’ in 2004, has toured the world, performing with some of the biggest names in Jazz including Brad Meldau, Bill Frisell, and Gregory Porter. Saxophonist Claus Waidtløw, winner of the Danish Music Awards’ ‘Jazz Composer of the Year’ in 2015 has worked with the likes of John Scofield, Christian McBride, and Maria Schneider to name a few.

The two bandleaders Mikkel Schnettler and Michael Hartvig on percussion are stalwarts of the scene and singer-pianist Søren Baun is known for a broad range of winning musical projects.

Take five contemporary jazz musicians mixing feel-good repertoire and soul-in- fused grooves and you’ll be some way to- wards understanding the sound of Danish group Acoustic Lounge.
Following the success of their debut album which garnered over two million streams worldwide, the group is back with a bigger, bolder recorded statement fea- turing some of Denmark’s most esteemed jazz musicians.
With its two founders – Mikkel Schnettler and Michael Hartvig – on percussion, the atypical quintet line-up is completed with the smooth, soulful vocals of frontman Søren Baun, celebrated bassist Jesper Bodilsen and saxophonist Claus Waidtløw.
Acoustic Lounge’s sound is relaxed, easy- going, and playful. One hardly notices the omission of a traditional drum kit, as their percussion-heavy sound lays a foundation of
rich, latin-influenced grooves. At a concert with Acoustic Lounge nothing is as it seems. What at first glance seems to be an easy- going smooth jazz experience opens up to be an intriguing world full of surprising new arrangements.
The repertoire provides some refreshing interpretations of their diverse program. From well known jazz standards such as the title track ‘Alone Together’ or Jobim’s ‘One Note Samba’, to pop classics like Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, to the 21st Century anthem that is Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’, the record is united by a sound which makes each song their own.
The quintet preserves the essence and feel- ing of each composition and gives them a modern twist, be it through pop and neo- soul harmony, melodic saxophone solos, multi-tracked backing vocals, or entirely original passages of music within songs that every listener will recognize.
With an extensive touring history in their home country, Acoustic Lounge is made up of some of Denmark’s most celebrated jazz musicians alongside some rising stars of the Scandinavian scene.
Bassist Jesper Bodilsen, winner of the Django d’Or Prize as ‘Performer of the Year’ in 2004, has toured the world, performing with some of the biggest names in Jazz including Brad Meldau, Bill Frisell, and Gregory Porter. Saxophon- ist Claus Waidtløw, winner of the Danish Music Awards’ ‘Jazz Composer of the Year’ in 2015 has worked with the likes of John Scofield, Christian McBride, and Maria Schneider to name a few.
The two bandleaders Mikkel Schnettler and Michael Hartvig on percussion are stalwarts of the scene and singer-pianist Søren Baun is known for a broad range of winning musical projects.

Dust, the moor, and wide open spaces characterize Danish guitarist Alex Jønsson's trio.

Jønsson's playing is spherical and minimalistic; the compositions are open, lyrical, and melancholic. Assisted by Andreas Skamby (drm) and Jens Mikkel Madsen (bs), the music is challenged and fortified, which is exactly what it takes to create a rich and varied expression with catchy melodies, sheer rhythm and free passages.

It is the sound of a unique interaction and a dusty, Danish prairie.

Astrid Engberg is a danish singer, producer and dj.
Engberg’s first full-length album “Tulpa" was released in September 2020 and placed on Bandcamp’s “The Best Albums of Summer 2020”. The album got 5/6 stars in Danish newspaper Politiken as well as in the music magazine Gaffa. Politiken calling the album “Far bigger than small Denmark”
Influenced by jazz, soul, beats, classical - as well as west-african music, Astrid is a contemporary artist rooted in the past and presenting a modern mix of electronic-organic jazz, nordic soul and percussive minimalism.

On Tulpa she is joined by an impressive line-up of almost twenty musicians from the jazz - beat and classical world of music. The goal; to transcend genres and combine organic instruments with machines and digital manipulaton. Previously based in Paris and featured on more than twenty vinyl releases worldwide Engberg is now back in Copenhagen focusing on her own productions.

Tulpa granted her the Steppeulven critics prize nomination as Producer of the year 2020.

B.H.A.D. Company consists of five musicians - pianist Elza Ozolina (Latvia) as well composer of album songs and executive producer of the project, trumpeter Dan Hejslet (Denmark), Saxophonist Tadas Pasaravičius (Lithuania), Bass player Anders Boye Knudsen (Denmark), and drummer Yannick Ballmann (Belgium). The Debut album is featured by Latvian singer Undīne Rolava and Denmark-born rapper Blacc El. Group was formed in late 2019 and started its steps in February of 2020 by recording ‘Lick Attack’ in 2 days at universities studio in Aalborg. The band immediately save a spot in the biggest danish jazz music festivals such as ‘SPOT’, ‘WayUpNorth’, ‘Winter Jazz’, as well made some noise in Jazz Danmark organized jazz contest ‘JazzKonkurencen 2020’. B.H.A.D. Company defines themselves as experimental jazz ensemble, which comes together to break traditional rules and play high-intensity grooves, making jazz attractive to all generations. Compositions from the album are inspired by Hip Hop, Classical and Electronic Music genres. Song arrangements have been created with a lot of space for improvisation and interpretation, which makes music unpredictable and unique. In 2021 ‘Lick Attack’ was nominated for Jazz or Funk Album of the year in Latvian ‘Golden Microphone’ awards.

BAUN is a danish artist, jazz pianist and soul singer who writes pop songs.

In 2021 BAUN released four singles. Now he is ready with the twelve track album Beginnings. Beginnings is an uplifting experience with soulful singing, sparkling keys
and body-moving beats.

BAUN bridges catchy beat-driven music with jazz via elements from soul, brasil and funk. The result is warm, welcoming and hand played music of depth and colour. This approach to music is rooted in a belief that many people starve for more humanity in a digital age.

With its lush production, big soothing sound and plenty of detail, Beginnings is equally rewarding on the couch, in the park and on the dancefloor.

Bagland is a quintet consisting of five musicians, who all have their roots based in the Scandinavian sound.
The music is inspired by the deserted and open nordic landscape with lyrical and melancholic melodies characterizing the compositions. Furthermore, Bagland incorporates an electronic sound adding a playful and dynamic element to the music which contains both hope, happiness, longing, and melancholy.
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NOMAD was released in 2016 and was a big part of band leader Jakob Sørensen being awarded the New Danish Jazz Act 2017.

Benjamin Koppel’s saxophone sounds sweet and full tone that comes more out of his heroes Cannonball Adderley and Johnny Hodges than, say, John Coltrane (whom he also admires). His approach is contemplative and not hectic when he pours out blazing bebop licks, quick and smooth. His superb playing has put him in the company of Kenny Werner, Jim Hall, Joe Lovano, Scott Colley, Miroslav Vitous, Randy Brecker, David Sanchez, Sheryl Crow to name a few.

He has jazz groups and plays classical, pop, R&B, folkloric music and almost anything in between. As a composer, he writes in those genres and is not afraid to take on large scale projects and compose music for a theatre performance, put together two festival programs per year and write a book whenever there is a break.

Since 2012 member of the trio Koppel Colley Blade Collective together with bassist Scott Colley (US) and drummer Brian Blade (US), who released their first CD “The Koppel Colley Blade Collective” at Artistshare (USA) in May 2015.

On Monday, May 1st, Koppel Colley Blade will release the first single Alphabet Thief from their upcoming album PERSPECTIVE
Pre-save Alphabet Thief here: https://orcd.co/kcb1
Or hear it live when Brian Blade, Scott Colley and Benjamin Koppel are going on tour next week:
https://www.songkick.com/artists/436023-benjamin-koppel?fbclid=IwAR0Pykj-dfuRR4lZ9iElMaEu6z0zbBYlcslZeD1d7uwQFxs98u-w6qAMM-Y

Blicher Hemmer Gadd is a jazz trio distinguished by music created by three of the most acclaimed musicians in their field: Four-time Danish Grammy-winning saxophonist Michael Blicher, Danish Hammond organ wizard Dan Hemmer, and Legendary American drummer Steve Gadd.

Carsten Lindholm Trio is known for their unique ability to fuse Nordic Jazz with Indian rhythmics, based on Carsten Lindholms study of Konnakol. All played with a soulful bass, dynamic drums, a heartfelt strong expressive piano - and of course, with focus on the audience.
They have performed at Theatre de Caen, Jazzhus Montmartre Cph, Jazzfest Wageningen, and a lot of clubs / festivals in Germany like ElbJazz, Enjoy Jazzfest, Jazzforum Bayreuth, Domicil, Altes Pfandhaus and many more.
Carsten Lindholm Trio currently consists of pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff (No) Bass players Jasper Somsen (Nl), Reggie Washington (USA).
They invite the audience into a world, where they can forget time and place for a while!
Members of the band varies according to where the focus is, but in common is a collection
of dedicated, dynamic, professional musicians, with a strong expression - and a mutual
interest in jazz music. This carried by especially Carsten's inspirers as Esbjorn Svensson,
Brad Mehldau, Jan Garbarek, Lars Danielsson, Wolfgang Haffner, Vince Mendoza and Russell Ferrante.
Carsten is also a member of the new trio project: Hoff, Somsen, Lindholm:
Pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff from Norway performs worldwide with his solo piano repertoire, and has worked with Mike Stern, Arve Henriksen, Audun Kleive, Anders Jormin, Gary Novak, Per Mathiesen, Alex Acuna and Horacio Hernández.. As a bandleader and co-leader he has released 23 albums and published over 250 orchestral works in various contexts. Jan Gunnar Hoff is also a Steinway Artist.
Double bass player/composer/producer Jasper Somsen from the Netherlands is known worldwide for his longstanding collaborations with Enrico Pieranunzi, Maria Mendes and Lynne Arriale. He has performed with Peter Erskine, Jorge Rossy, Joey Calderazzo, Bob Sheppard, John Beasley and Jeff Ballard, among others. He has released seven albums as leader and co-leader for Challenge Records and has been featured on more than 45 albums and film music productions.
Carsten Lindholm is a Danish drummer and composer. Artists such as Erik Truffaz, John Beasley, Reggie Washington, Pete Judge, Jim Barr, Eivind Aarset, Gunnar Halle, Thomas Siffling and Christopher Dell play on his albums.

Christina Dahl´s latest album with Simon Toldam (keys) and Peter Bruun (drums). "Souls of the Wind" has achieved a nomination for "Instrumental Album of the Year, International" by German Jazz Preis 2023.

With more than 30 years in the jazz scene and 12 albums in her own name, Christina Dahl is one of Denmark’s most original and respected saxophone players and composers. Her playing and her compositions are based on a fearless courage and a deep care for the music. Christina creates musical images and a storytelling of high compositional quality with both an edge and with finesse. The "Souls of the Wind" album is released along with a book of poems by Christina to support her compositions in the most beautiful manner.

Claudia Campagnol is a truly unique talent and one of Denmark's rising stars – with a broad crossover appeal and a huge international potential.

Her voice is extremely powerful, yet warm and soulful. Claudia has a deep-rooted affection for jazz-fusion, but takes inspiration from pop, soul, and R&B, showcasing a stunning flair for improvisation and vocal arrangements.

Claudia has achieved great success in Denmark as well as abroad. Her debut album “I’m Strong” (2019) - featuring A-list musicians such as Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Collaiuta among others - was nominated for the Danish Music Awards in two categories: ‘Best New Jazz Act’ and ‘Best Vocal Album’, and received outstanding reviews worldwide. The album was released in Japan in 2020.

In November 2022, Claudia Campagnol released her long-awaited second album “Right Now” showcasing a stunning collection of original songs spanning the different genres that have shaped her artistic DNA.

The Danish Radio Big Band and chief conductor Miho Hazama offer great musical experiences ranging over classic big band jazz, soft ballads, new compositions and wild jazz experiments – delivered with the energy, professionalism and precision of 19 top-tuned musicians.

The Danish Radio Big Band has been at the forefront of the Nordic jazz scene since 1964. The band was established when Copenhagen was home to an array of legen­­dary American jazz musicians, and with iconic bandleaders like Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer and Jim McNeely, the Danish Radio Big Band soon developed into the institution that Ernie Wilkins called “probably the best big band in Europe”.

Today the Danish Radio Big Band still delivers the true American big band sound – with its very own Nordic twist. Based in DR Koncerthuset, Copenhagen, the band continues to introduce new names, initiate exciting collaborations across genres and commission compositions from young talents every season.

Dynamic gives you the unique sensation of human voices forming complex jazz chords - and much more. The singers and rhythm section blend 4 voices and 3 instruments in every combination. The audience is invited into a warm and entertaining show of the highest musical quality filled with joy, passion and humor. Spanning Nordic clarity, irresistible swing, funky West Coast grooves and complex latin rhythms, Paul Kim’s catchy arrangements of original tunes and timeless standards take you on a journey through the landscape and history of jazz music. Dynamic’s extremely varied repertoire is always received with enthusiasm both by live audiences, when the band tours in Denmark and abroad, and by reviewers and fans of their albums and videos.

døssing is a newly formed sibling trio consisting of Jon, Aske and Mathilde Døssing Bendixen, who musically roams within the genre of instrumental jazz characterized by a playful approach along with a unmistakable chemistry in their compositions and live expression.

After years of being occupied with other musical projects such as Abekejser, AySay and Total Hip Replacement, the siblings are now back together as they were in their childhood living room and are now ready to make their entrance on the Danish and international jazz scene. døssing's musical universe invites the audience to lean back in the chair and let the thoughts flow, and other times to break lose on the dance floor.

With keys, synthesizers, effects on the trombone and vocals, along with acoustic drums combined with a drum machine, døssing plays with the meeting between the electronic and analogue and creates in that sense an evocative and dreamy universe.

Israeli born Eyal Lovett is one of the most prominent jazz pianists and band leaders currently active in Europe. Eyal was chosen to be the 2017 “Artist of the year” by Jazzy Berlin. In June 2018 Eyal Lovett Trio won 1st place at the international competition JazzWings in Warsaw. In 2022 Eyal graduated from the prestigious Soloist program in the Royal Academy of Music, Aalborg. Eyal's 4th album "Through the Rain" was released Feb 2022 by BERTHOLD Records.

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Girls in Airports has been described as ‘a unique blend of Nordic jazz lyricism, indie-rock influences and sounds from around the world’. The Danish band is famous for their captivating soundscapes crossing musical genres and geographical borders.

Combining jazz, indie and urban folk into a unique expression of heart stirring, melody-laden elegiac hooks and dance-friendly, globally influenced rhythms.

Horse Orchestra consists of seven young musicians from Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and the band is a testimony to a new generation of musicians, who master their musical historical legacy and try to help modern jazz music reach new heights.

The band succeeds in combining parts of the history of jazz with modern barrier-breaking musical experiments and it all ends up in an original, post-modernistic style that has no equivalent on the Nordic jazz scene.

With the jazz piano tradition at its core, Human Being Human’s sound is full of surprises and
possibility. Passages of timeless openness, energetic, virtuosic improvisation and propulsive syncopated riffs rub shoulders with influences that span Bach counterpoints, electronica and ambient music. Thoughtful, intricate compositions serve as the vessel through which the ensemble can explore their collective musicality.

Danish group Human Being Human are a piano trio with a name that is a question as much as a statement, in which bassist-composer Torben Bjørnskov gently asks just what being human entails.

Out June 17th on April Records, Equals brings together three players who musically ponder our need to share love and be good.

The three musicians’ distinctly different backgrounds, ages, and musical identities contribute to Equals incredibly rich sound; Bjørnskov comes from the tradition of melodic Danish upright bassists, pianist Esben Tjalve is a modern player now based on London’s burgeoning jazz scene whilst drummer Frederik Bülow belongs to the new Nordic jazz generation, complete with rhythmic trickery and crossover grooves. What unites them is their mutual respect for the melodic and melancholic tone associated with Scandinavian jazz.

Line up
Frederik Bülow | drums
Esben Tjalve | piano, keys
Torben Bjørnskov | bass, electronics & compositions

Reviewers from all over Europe have recently taken a serious interest in ‘I Just Came From The Moon’, praising the Danish quintet's ability to combine the fragile sincerity of nordic jazz with a modern indie vibe.

With two released albums, shows at Oslo Jazz Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival, and JazzAhead, and a new album to be released in 2021 on legendary Danish April Records, the band is ready to present its music to the rest of the world.

Throughout their almost 15 years together as a band I Think You're Awesome has been one of the most creative and leading Danish jazz groups.

Bandleader Jens Mikkel Madsen has won several awards for the band's music, they have toured in most of Europe, achieved massive airplay on Danish Radio, but most importantly kept expanding and developing their musical and creative palette.

Concerts with I Think You're Awesome are heartwarming, humorous and joyful experiences.

Ipek Yolu is a highly dynamic quartet, mixing sounds of Turkish psychedelic folk music, with African and South American inspired rhythms, hip-hop and jazz fusion. The group is guaranteed to set the room ablaze, when infectious grooves are mixed with catchy Saz riffs and burning synthesizer solos. A uniquely captivating live experience that you absolutely must not missIn 2020, Ipek Yolu was nominated as the best Roots live act at the Danish Music Awards, and the bands self titled debut album was awarded 4 of 5 stars by Rolling Stone magazine. A new album with this new exciting sound is in the works, and is set to drop early 2024.
The band consists of the following line-up: Orhan Özgur (saz/vocals), Olaf Brinch (bass), Frederik Bülow (drums) and Malthe Jepsen (keys).

Jacob Anderskov is a pianist, composer and bandleader from Copenhagen. He has released more than 25 albums as a bandleader and co-leader since his debut in 2001. He has received numerous awards and hailed by the international press as an outstanding voice in contemporary music. Anderskov has performed in most countries in the western hemisphere with his own projects. His oeuvre encompasses everything from improvised works in small groups to almost thoroughly composed material for larger ensembles.

Karmen Rõivassepp Quartet is a prominent jazz quartet that since their debut in 2018 have continued to grow a solid audience all around Denmark. The band is constantly developing and in these days veering a bit further from their common language of jazz tradition, showcasing the more reflective, moody and melancholic contemporary jazz style. One can expect to hear striking vocal purity, great musical interplay and sophisticated melodies & harmonies when these four jazz musicians enter the stage.

Kathrine Windfeld is considered one of the most interesting and refreshing new Scandinavian composers.
In 2020, she won the “Rising Stars Jazz Award” and a tour of seven top European festivals. Windfeld’s breathtaking compositions thrive on a rare combination of delicacy and strength: Sophisticated harmonies, driving grooves and poetic ballads in explosive arrangements. Her handpicked dream-team of 15 young and excellent musicians have toured in several countries and won numerous awards

The Guardian (UK) describes Windfeld‘s compositions as a rare combination of delicacy and strength: A colorful blend of sophisticated harmonies, driving grooves and poetic ballads in explosive arrangements. Her handpicked sextet combines playful precision with enthusiastic power, tight ensemble playing and breathtaking solo spots. Windfeld's three highly acclaimed big band releases has lead to countless international reviews and prestigious awards, lately the Rising Stars Jazz Award (UK).

Meet the rhythm-defying power trio Kemaca Kinetic for an electrifying and powerful show!

This uncompromising Danish trio offers a unique repertoire between jazz and groove, with hypnotic rhythms and bewitching melodies. Kemaca Kinetic consists of the two young prodigies of the Danish jazz scene: hip hop drum machine Matias Fischer and guitar phenomenon Casper Hejlesen, working with established composer and bassist Kenneth Dahl Knudsen.

First appearing in public at a virtual concert at Blue Note Beijing in April 2021, Kemaca Kinetic has since released three singles and has played over 40 concerts in Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia Germany and France.

Kenneth Dahl Knudsen is a composer, bassist, bandleader and rhythm scientist. Powered by a wild storm of musical passion and storytelling, he restlessly develops new and challenging projects. He was nominated for Danish Jazz Grammys in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and maintains an international career touring regularly in Europe and Asia.

Kenneth is versatile and curious, moving gracefully from the power trio of "Kemaca Kinetic" to the classical folk-jazz ensemble ATLAS. With a masterful command of bands and audiences alike, Knudsen has made the journey from a rising comet to a shining star on the European music scene.

All members of Klanglys make use of their love for jazz harmonies, rhythmic ostinato figures and natural soundscapes to create pleasant and light projecting melodies. The band utilises a wide array of musical colours with references to their vast span of cultural backgrounds. Klanglys will take you on a cinematic journey and guides you through festive and lively and dreamful scenes - just at the intersection of timbre and light.

Lea Havelund (vocals and cello) released her debut album “VENTEDE VEN” in January 2023. The music is original and diverse and Lea draws on inspiration from many different genres and countries. This can be heard in her arrangements and compositions, which contain elements of tango, Nordic folk music and jazz. The soft tones of the cello simultaneously reveal the classical music foundation and the musical combination forms a subtle universe that is hard to place among genres.

Duo Levitas is the project of two European globetrotters: German pianist Christian Pabst and Czech saxophonist Lubos Soukup. They've collaborated for 10 years and recently released Levitas, an album exploring folk, classical, and jazz music. Using only piano and woodwinds, the duo's unique artistic expression and improvisation transport listeners to a magical place. Their intimate performances appeal to audiences of all kinds.

LILLY (aka Lilly-Ann Hertzman) is a jazzsinger, songwriter and producer who has been internationally praised and acknowledged for her authenticity, emotionally deep and personal expression as a jazzvocalist and for creating evocative songs and soundscapes of a rare kind and sound as a songwriter. Her inspirations are many and goes across multiple genres with jazz and singer-songwriter as the main ones. Her origins also cross borders, with a mother from Japan and a father from Denmark.

Lilly has released five critically acclaimed albums, with the latest and the previous album in particular receiving an overwhelmingly positive response by jazzcritics from the US, Germany and Scandinavia. The 2017 duo album Tenderly feat. Gilad Hekselman was voted Top 5 Best Vocal Release 2017 by The New York City Jazz Record,

Her latest album, The Song Is You (2021), was released by Challenge Records Intermational, and was recorded in New York with two great musical talents and Rising Stars on the international jazz scene, guitarist Gilad Hekselman (ISR) and cornetist Kirk Knuffke (US), and they are looking forward to playing concerts together this autumn in Denmark and Germany.

German Jazzthing a.o.wrote this about The Song Is You: "...her versions present themselves as artistic with a personal expression. Therefore, her interpretations offer an emotionally deep, truthful view, due to which these standards thus become her own songs".

Danish musicmagazine GAFFA gave it 5 out of 6 stars like her former album and a.o. wrote: “..again-again with mature weight, sensuality and character. It's as if Lilly, along with Hekselman - and now Knuffke - have found an authenticity, intensity and nerve that suits both her and the songs and the music. The Song Is You is immensely successful for the same reason" .

In addition to Gilad Hekselman and Kirk Knuffke, Lilly has played, recorded and collaborated with some of the finest, most talented and versatile creative musicians in Scandinavia, Europe and the United States. Among them Lew Soloff (US), Aaron Parks (US), Gustaf Ljunggren (S), Anders AC Christensen (DK), Jonas Berg (S), Jeppe Kjellberg (DK), Thommy Andersson (S), Krister Jonsson (S), Jacob Fischer (DK).

"Danish trombonist Lis Wessberg has performed as a side(wo)man with many top Danish and international musicians on the jazz and pop scene. Yellow Map, her debut project as a leader, was released at April Records, October 2021. She brought on board some of the top Danish jazz players for this recording, including pianist Steen Rasmussen, bassist Lennart Ginman, and drummer Jeppe Gram. Marilyn Mazur also appears on the track “Sister M.” Yellow Map features all new compositions penned by Wessberg specifically for the musicians who comprise this band.

The music on Yellow Map is a mellifluous melding of the acoustic instrument with electronic sounds, where light and darkness, sincerity and excitement, and joy and reflection unfold. The album has a contemporary, almost cinematic, feel, quite unlike any other music project emanating from Denmark.

For Wessberg, a good melody and a full, rich sound are the two most important elements of her performing and composing. Her trombone playing resembles a singer's voice, filled with warmth and emotion. Her compositions are soulful and thoughtful, while her arrangements have an almost dreamy quality. Listening to Yellow Map is like embarking on a magical train journey through mythical landscapes filled with unspoiled nature. "

With their captivating cinematic sound and a warm and intense presence, Little North bonds with their audience from the very first note. The sound of the band is way bigger than their classic piano trio constellation suggests. In a melting pot of modern minimalism and Nordic jazz tradition and with an intensity that draws threads to the jazz scene of New York, Little North has what it takes to add the next exciting chapter to the history of Scandinavian jazz.

On the new release ‘Familiar Places’ the trio expands on their already well defined sound.
The energy and warmth of the guitar and raw expressive intention from the trumpet, adds new depths to their musical universe, while the strong sound of the trio makes a continuum. ‘Familiar Places’ present a wide range of emotions and sonic landscapes while continuously diving into the essence of Little North.

"Familiar Places" has received a wealth of praise from reviewers domestically and abroad, a two time feature on the cover of Spotify's State of Jazz playlist, album presentation on French national Radio, France Musique as well as ‘album of the week’ on Danish National Radio P8 Jazz. The album received a four star review in the April issue of DownBeat Magazine and the trio is playing a showcase at Jazzahead! 2022.

The Lubos Soukup Quartet is an international modern jazz band led by Czech-Danish saxophonist and composer Lubos Soukup. Formed in Copenhagen in 2011, the quartet strives to create music that speaks to music lovers beyond the jazz inner circle. The group comprises German pianist Christian Pabst, Danish bassist Morten Haxholm, and drummer Morten Hæsum. The band has released 3 albums, including Země (feat. Lionel Loueke) and was voted the best Czech jazz album of the year in a music expert survey.

Scandinavian band Machina Mundi draws inspiration from Weather Report's use of synths and Chris Potter's Underground project. Led by Lubos Soukup, the band's compositions feature elegant melodies, feel-good grooves, and exciting solos. With a unique harmonic universe, the music evokes images of a dark Scandinavian sky one moment and busy New York streets the next.

Luboš Soukup: sax/clarinet/effects, William Larsson: Fender Rhodes/keyboards/effects, Graig Earle: doublebass, Daniel Johansson: drums

Makiko Hirabayashi is a Japanese pianist/composer, based in Denmark since 1990. She has toured internationally with her trio featuring Marilyn Mazur and Klavs Hovman, and is critically accalimed for her personal voice which incooprates elements of jazz, classical music, Far Eastern sounds and Nordic moods.

Makiko has released 8 albums under her own name, and received numerous awards throughout her career, including the honorary award from the Danish Composers’ Association in 2020.

Founded in 2017 by Marilyn Mazur, Fredrik Lundin and Kasper Bai.

With this project the three composers celebrate their diversity as strengths, also when choosing the musicians for the band. Thus, the 13 featured players come from all corners of the Danish contemporary jazz scene, representing a broad spectrum of playing styles, musical personalities and temperaments.

Their debut Album "Maluba Orchestra" (Stunt Records) won the Danish Music Award for Best Jazz Album in 2020.

“Marie Mørck Quartet” is an upcoming nordic group with huge potential. They released their debut album "Fooling Around" on the Norwegian label AMP Music & Records in November 2019, to much critical acclaim by the European jazz crowd. The record has been featured quite a lot on Danish radio jazz station P8. In 2020, the album was nominated at the Danish Music Awards in the category "vocal jazz album of the year".

The group plays the original compositions by the lead singer and front figure Marie Mørck (DK, born 1994), in which a dreamy and lively jazz universe enrolls. She manages to step into a world of unusually convincing scat-singing - mastered on a level not only admirable but also rarely seen at her age.

The pianist Britta Virves (EST, born 1991) is among the most talented nordic female improvisators. She is a steady member of Norrbotten Bigband and has performed as solo supporting act for international jazz star Justin Kauflin.
The bass player Jon Henriksson (SE, born 1996), is an active and eligible artist on the jazz scene in both Copenhagen and Stockholm. In 2018, he obtained the prize “New Danish Jazz Artist Of The Year” alongside his band “Aloft Quartet”.
The drummer Jonas Bäckman (SE, born 1996) is an aspiring musician, emerging on the jazz scene in Stockholm. Much requested for his vivid, yet stylish playing, he has among other things toured in South Africa.

Marie Mørck Quartet has toured in both France, Scandinavia, the Baltic Countries, and China.

Established in 2007, Martin Fabricius Trio has released 4 critically acclaimed albums, toured Scandinavia, Germany, China and Africa and become one of the most played jazz groups on Danish National Radio. A former student of vibraphone legend Gary Burton, Martin has developed his own style of playing, bringing to life the stories and paintings that are at the core of his music: Vast landscapes, mystical sceneries, train rides and breathtaking ballads painted in pastel colors of sound.

Martin, a former student of Gary Burton, is known for taking the vibraphone in a different direction. Alone on the stage, he is exploring the expressive possibilities of the instrument, using electronics and unique choice of repertoire. On his first solo album, One, Martin demonstrates why he is considered a leading exponent of a new school of vibraphone players.

A select few musicians with harmonica as their primary instrument hold a place in the jazz hall of fame, but Mathias Heise is a fast-rising star seemingly destined for great things.

Reinventing jazz-fusion, Mathias Heise Quadrillion has created a unique sound combining the chromatic harmonica with updated funk-rock-jazz. Jazz harmonies and improvisation merged with rock and funk music’s hard-hitting primal beats are fused into a euphoric, vibrant and very personal expression of sophisticated elegance and accessible grooves.

The debut album ‘Sudden Ascent’ (2015) was nominated for the Danish Music Awards Jazz. Following the success of the band’s 2017 album ‘Decadence’ with Grammy winning George Duke producer Erik Zobler, their third album ‘QUADRILLION’ was released in June 2022, showcasing eight original Heise compositions which have been reworked and refined during a busy touring schedule on Denmark’s vibrant jazz scene.

Quadrillion’s obvious talent and striking live performance have – despite their young age – already made them a sought after group abroad, and they have played at major festivals around the world.

Mathias Heise (chromatic harmonica/keys), Mads Christiansen (guitar), David Vang (bass), Aksel Stadel Borum (drums).

I’m an award-winning Canadian composer/pianist based in Copenhagen. I collaborate with international artists like Lotte Anker, Trichy Sankaran, Maria Faust, Peter Bruun and François Houle. A member of Inner Circle Music (NY) my music can be described as “post- jazz of a distinctly personalized kind” (Textura). “Postcards of Nostalgia” is my fifth album and first solo record. Recent ensemble releases include “Hypnagogia” (ILK Music, DK) and the sister project “Hypnopompia” (Songlines Recordings, CA). The latter made “Best albums of 2022” for All About Jazz (USA) and “Best Jazz on Bandcamp” for the month of July 2022.

Danish guitarist and composer Mikkel Ploug (b.1978) has performed all over Europe, Brazil, and the U.S. with his bands Mikkel Ploug Group, Mikkel Ploug Trio, Mikkel Ploug solo and Equilibrium. He has recorded 14 albums for internationally renowned labels such as Sunnyside Records (USA), Stunt Records (DK) Whirlwind Recordings (UK) Fresh Sounds New Talent (ES) Songlines Recordings (CA). Mikkel has performed as a soloist with The Royal Ballet in Copenhagen and with the Danish Radio Big Band. His solo album Balcony Lullabies was selected "Best Album Of 2020" by UK Newspaper Morningstar.
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His solo album Alleviation counts over 2 million plays on Spotify and his 2018 album “Faroe” was selected for the Grammy category “Best Instrumental Jazz Album”.

He has worked as a sideman with many bands including NYC alto player Pete Robbins Transatlantic and performed as an opening act for Wayne Shorter early in his career. Mikkel who started out on drums at the age of four has a master awarded with a distinction for composition from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague, Holland, he has lived in Berlin, and now resides in Copenhagen.