Denmark is home to one of Europe’s most diverse and sophisticated jazz scenes, rooted in a rich heritage dating back to the 1950s and 60’s when the small state of Denmark became a world centre for jazz. Mainstream greats such as Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon and Kenny Drew settled in Copenhagen while artists such as Albert Ayler and Cecil Taylor recorded groundbreaking albums there, shaping the future of free jazz. Their legacy deeply influenced a new wave of Danish musicians.

In the enlightening and utterly absorbing 8-part podcast, Dangerous Sounds – Danish Jazz in 8 Stories we hear about two pivotal phone calls: when John Coltrane called Danish saxophonist John Tchicai, and Miles Davis called Danish trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg— both would become key architects of European jazz. Since then, many artists such as Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Marilyn Mazur, Jeppe Zeeberg and Jacob Anderskov have become highly acclaimed and globally recognised musicians.

Returning to the UK for its seventh series, Sounds of Denmark offers a glimpse into one of Europe’s most creative and vibrant jazz scenes. This year’s event introduces captivating and eclectic new Danish sounds across two nights at PizzaExpress Jazz Club in London and Turner Sims Southampton.

CHECK OUT THE PERFORMING ARTISTS BELOW:

CECILIE STRANGE QUARTET

Internationally acclaimed Danish saxophonist and composer Cecilie Strange creates melancholic, spacious and meditative music filled with rich textures and understated lyricism. For her Sounds of Denmark performance she presents Beech, her fifth album as a leader, released in May 2025.

Rooted in a deep connection to nature, memory, and place, Beech is a contemplative suite of compositions inspired by locations that have shaped her life and artistry. From the rich cultural landscape of her childhood in Odense and a personal love letter to Copenhagen to impressionable time spent studying with jazz greats in New York and transformative experiences in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Iceland and Norway. At the heart of the album lies the beech tree: a powerful symbol of Danish identity, growth, and renewal. Known for her ability to tell stories through her music, Strange’s meditative compositions, rich timbral palette, and spacious improvisations invite listeners to slow down and explore a Nordic jazz reflection on belonging, landscape and identity.

Cecilie Strange – saxophone, Peter Rosendal – piano, Thommy Andersson – bass, Bent Clausen – drums​

Thursday 25th September – PizzaExpress Jazz Club, London (8pm)
Friday 26th September – Turner Sims, Southampton (8pm)

ASTRAL CINEMA

Astral Cinema is a quartet of renowned musicians and film composers resembling something close to a Danish – London supergroup. Having collaborated on various projects since the early nineties, they formed an ensemble in 2022 to present their cinematically influenced, dreamy original soundscapes. An enticing space-age sound with jazz and trip-hop references that range from Francis Lai to the downtempo electronica of Air, Portishead and a touch of Jan Johansson.

The group’s world-class rhythm section features renowned jazz bassist Anders ‘AC’ Christensen (Paul Motian’s Electric Bebop Band and Tomasz Stańko) and special guest Mercury Prize-nominated drummer and Polar Bear band leader Sebastian Rochford, award-winning Danish film composer Jonas Struck on guitar and member of The Specials and Grammy-winning musician and composer Nikolaj Torp Larsen on keyboards. The band was nominated for the prestigious DMA ‘Composer of the Year’ award in Denmark in 2024.

Thursday 25th September – PizzaExpress Jazz Club, London (8pm)
Friday 26th September – Turner Sims, Southampton (8pm)

JASPER HOIBY’S 3ELEMENTS 

Copenhagen-born bassist Jasper Høiby first gained international acclaim as the founding member of the trailblazing trio Phronesis—a band that redefined the possibilities of the piano trio format and captivated audiences across the globe. Known for his energetic presence, rhythmic innovation, and melodic clarity, Høiby has built a reputation as one of the most distinctive and forward-thinking voices in contemporary jazz.

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His ongoing project, 3Elements, explores the expressive potential of the piano trio with a fluid line-up that brings together some of Europe’s finest young talents. This Sounds of Denmark performance marks the UK debut of his third and latest trio formation, featuring two exceptional Spanish musicians: Xavi Torres on piano and Naima Acuña on drums. Both are rising stars in their own right—deeply expressive, technically dazzling and in high demand across the European scene.

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Together, this new incarnation of 3Elements channels Høiby’s signature blend of groove-driven energy, intricate melodic lines, and improvisational daring—interweaving contemporary jazz, folk-rooted lyricism, and genre-defying textures. Expect music that’s bold, nuanced, and alive with interaction. Jasper Høiby – double bass, Xavi Torres – piano, Naima Acuña – drums

Friday 26th September – PizzaExpress Jazz Club, London (6pm & 9pm)