This year Sounds of Denmark is presenting a music program, that entails three bands. The British press has already welcomed them with anticipatory excitement.

Danish jazz pushes boundaries and London is listening

In recent years, the project has gained attention in British media such as UK Jazz News, and this year One Jazz Radio is producing an entire program dedicated to Sounds of Denmark.

Listen to the radio program here

UK Jazz News and OneJazz Radio describes Danish jazz as ‘one of the most moving’ and ‘some of the finest musicians from one of Europe’s most creative and vibrant jazz scenes’.

Three Danish bands take the stage and capture attention in the UK

On September 25–26, Sounds of Denmark presents three bands that have each made a mark in the British press.

Cecilie Strange will present her fifth album Beech in London and Southampton, where together with her quartet she invites the British audience to slow down with her meditative jazz. Kevin Le Gendre from UK Jazz News writes: “…the quartet led by saxophonist Cecilie Strange may win over new listeners with its shadowy lyricism.”

Astral Cinema brings together musicians and film composers in an ensemble that blends jazz, trip hop, and film music. 15 Questions writes: “But as exploratory as their creative process may be, the results have a surprisingly dreamy quality, a gently rolling sensuality and warm charm to them – think independent movie theatre rather than Hollywood blockbuster.” 

3Elements is the latest trio from international bassist Jasper Høiby, joined by two Spanish stars, Xavi Torres (piano) and Naima Acuña (drums). With an experimental approach to music, the trio creates an intense, vivid experience: “They draw on all areas of improvised music, finding their own path through swing, post-bop, fusion and avant-garde, bringing strong, bold personalities to the fore.” – UK Jazz News

Sounds of Denmark

Since 2016, Sounds of Denmark has established itself as a successful platform for Danish jazz in the UK, both on the music scene and in the media. The initiative has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations for a number of prominent musicians, including Kathrine Windfeld, Svaneborg Kardyb, Hess Is More, Snorre Kirk, Phronesis, Spacelab, Søren Bebe Trio, Abekejser, RKDIA, Makiko Hirabayashi Trio and Girls in Airports.

In 2025, Sounds of Denmark will not only feature a festival but also a residency in London for three Danish participants, offering insights into the British jazz scene and Jazz Danmark’s network in England in connection with the London Jazz Festival. Read more about the residency here.

Sounds of Denmark 2025 is created in collaboration between PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Turner Sims, Jazz Danmark, Sue Edwards Management and the Danish Embassy in London. The project is supported by Statens Kunstfond, the Danish Embassy in London, and Augustinus Fonden.

The top photo shows Astral Cinema. Press photo.