Sounds of Denmark

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. 

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.

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.

Astral Cinema is a quartet of renowned musicians and film composers resembling something close to a Danish – London supergroup. 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.

Copenhagen-born bassist Jasper Høiby is 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 today. 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.

• Cecilie Strange Quartet Astral Cinema (Double bill) - Thursday 25 September- PizzaExpress Jazz Club  London (8pm)
• Jasper Høiby’s 3Elements - Friday 26th September PizzaExpress Jazz Club, London (6pm & 9pm) 
• Cecilie Strange Quartet Astral Cinema (Double bill) - Friday 26th September Turner Sims Southampton (8pm) 

BOOK TICKETS 

Venue details