SOUNDS OF DENMARK JAZZ FESTIVAL
16 – 22 SEPTEMBER 2016
PIZZA EXPRESS JAZZ CLUB, SOHO LONDON

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Denmark’s vibrant scene informs Sounds of Denmark, a remarkable seven day festival at one of London’s premier venues, the award-winning PizzaExpress Jazz Club. Ten Danish groups comprising over thirty-two musicians in a line-up that includes double bills and special guests from the UK perform in London to showcase just how dynamic, eclectic and masterful the Danish jazz scene is.
From the 21st Century space-funk of Morten Schantz Godspeed (featuring Julian Argüelles and Anton Eger) to the charismatic free-bop of MAdHAs and the sublime vocals of Sinne Eeg and Cathrine Legardh (with Brian Kellock), the festival represents a broad cross- spectrum of jazz styles. Performances from two dazzling contemporary piano trios Hess/AC/Hess Spacelab and Simon Toldam Trio sit next to the melodic, microtonal chamber-jazz of Maniscalco/Bigoni/Solborg (with special UK guest Evan Parker) and the uniquely Scandinavian-tinged mainstream jazz of saxophonist Jan Harbeck and his lauded quartet. The brilliant Girls in Airports present an evening of elegiac urban-folk-soundscapes while New York/Copenhagen underground dance music pioneers Hess is More – a band that has to be seen live to be believed – brings a visceral excitement to the festival. Indeed, Sounds of Denmark proves there is more to Denmark than Scandinavian noir, cool design and bacon and butter! It is home to some of the most exciting and engaging music in the world.

The project was launched as a collaboration between JazzDanmark, PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Sue Edwards Management, and the Royal Danish Embassy in London.