Winter Jazz Festival
Various venues across Copenhagen; starts Friday, ends February 10; www.vinterjazz.dk
It’s time to put on your toe-tapping shoes. Jazz is about to hit Danish shores once again. As the Winter Jazz Festival swiftly approaches, Copenhagen once again becomes the jazz mecca for many musicians that it once was all those years ago. Hogwash say ye? Copenhagen, a foundation of bacon, pastry and dairy perhaps, but surely not a cornerstone of jazz music? An outrageous claim.
The fact remains that Copenhagen from the late 1950s to late 1970s, perhaps surprisingly to some, was considered an international jazz capital of the world, and its Montmartre Club was considered by a host of legendary jazz musicians as their second home.
Jazz idols such as Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Stan Getz, Thad Jones and Ed Thigpen - who passed away just last week in Hvidovre after living in Copenhagen since 1972 - all lived in Copenhagen for extended periods. And from 1959 to 1974, they made Montmartre one of the most essential jazz clubs on the planet.
All the legends above played there for extended periods, and during this time the house band consisted of Albert Heath, Kenny Drew and Danish bass greats Niels Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Mads Vinding. Perhaps not as recognised as Paris, it was equally important as the presence of so many prominent musicians affirmed.
Copenhagen continues to maintain an excellent jazz scene, with venues such as Copenhagen Jazzhouse and Mojo Blues Bar leading the charge. It’s actually possible to see a live show nearly every day of the year if one is dedicated enough.
The importance of Copenhagen to the jazz scene has waned since those glorious days, but the city is still a huge draw for jazz musicians throughout the world. Copenhagen will host its 32nd annual jazz festival this summer with a line-up sure to impress. But for now there is the yearly Winter Jazz Festival running from January 22 until February 10. So put on your woolly socks, scarves and hats and get out there and experience some of the world’s elite musicians in action. You won’t be disappointed. Below are a few recommendable gigs that shouldn’t be missed.
TOP PICKS:
Pat Metheny
Glassalen at Tivoli, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Cph V; 20:00 on 7 Feb; tickets 360–425kr; 3315 1012
A true legend in the jazz world. A man who has worked with some of the best, including the father of Bossa Nova, Antonio Jobim, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Joe Henderson and Ornette Coleman, to mention a few. Metheny will blow your socks off with licks and solos so swift and seamless you’ll crave more. His facial expressions are a delight: looking like he might require a change of trousers after every song. You might too after one of his mesmerising concerts. Metheny will be showcasing his brand new album Orchestrion.
Caroline Henderson
Glassalen at Tivoli, Cph V; 20:00 on February 5; tickets 275-305kr; 3315 1012
Mmmm. Take a deep swallow, sweet Caroline goes down smooth every time. The Swedish born singer has been a cornerstone of jazz music in Copenhagen for nearly two decades and is back to promote her ninth album Keeper of the Flame. Henderson will be flaunting her delicious voice and inspired interpretations of classics by Duke Ellington, Nina Simone and Cole Porter as well as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and PJ Harvey. Always a class act.
Stefano Bollani Trio
Den Sorte Diamant, Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, 1016 Cph K; 20:00 on 6 Feb; tickets 160kr; 3347 4225
The Italian jazz pianist has been involved with professional music since he was 15. Performing a wide range of jazz styles, Musica Jazz magazine voted him the Best Jazz Talent of the Year in 1998. Having collaborated with greats such as Enrico Rava, Bollani will be gracing the stage with his talented accompaniment of Jesper Bodilsen and Morten Lund. The ebony and ivory keys of Bollani’s piano will be smoking hot as he explores notes, keys and sultry flows.
TOP VENUE:
Tango Y VinosHerluf Trolles Gade 9, 1052 Cph K; most concerts are free; 3332 8116
Aside from the brilliant venues of Mojo, Jazzhouse and Bartof Cafe, there are a few hidden gems where one can catch an unusually intimate glimpse of the exceptional musicians doing what they do best. One such place is the Tango Y Vinos wine bar in the city centre. Located near Nyhavn, this Argentine pearl will host a number of reasonable and even free concerts during the Winter Jazz Festival. Outstanding acts such as Bossa 4, Brigitte Escobar Quartet, Flamaniacs, Novablue Jazz Trio and Saxopaths are just a few groups that will be parading their talent at Tango Y Vino. So go and moisten the pallet with some exquisite wine whilst taking in some quality music.
Also Recommended:
Debbie Cameron with Nikolaj Hess and Jens Skou Olsen
Bartof Cafe, Ndr. Fasanvej 46, 2000 Frederiksberg; Saturday 21:00; tickets 95kr; 3886 9067
The daughter of legendary Etta Cameron, Debbie moved to Copenhagen in 1978 and has forged a brilliant career in music, including representing Denmark with Tommy Seebach at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981. Cameron has a powerful voice and a charisma on stage that should not be missed.
Dawda Jobarteh feat. Marie-Line and Marie Marolany
Copenhagen Jazzhouse, Niels Hemmingsens Gade 10, 1009 Cph K; Saturday 21:00; tickets 120kr; 3315 4700
Gambian kora player Dawda Jobarteh will be peddling his unique West African inspired music that will certainly brim with emotion and tantalising rhythmic beats. Promoting his new album NKANAKELE (We don´t fight), Jobarteh and his band were unforgettable last time they played at the Jazzhouse.
The Gentle Ladies
Mojo Blues Bar, Løngangstræde 21 C, 1468 Cph K; 21:30 on 1 Feb, Free Adm
The Gentle Ladies provide a rare opportunity to hear some good ol’ fashioned country music, Grand Ole Opry style. In the vein of Dixie Chics, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton and Emmy Lou Harris, the fresh band from Copenhagen will get your boots a sure scootin’.
Young Comets
Mojo Blues Bar; 20:00 on 31 Jan; Free Adm
If you’re hankering for some toe-tappin’, head-shakin’, shoulder-droppin’ blues then the Young Comets are your gig. Releasing their second album they are the perennial roots blues band in Copenhagen. Muddy Waters would be proud.
RIP Ed Thigpen (1930–2010)
