Jazzahead, nomination & new music on the way
It’s that time of year again! I’m heading to Bremen for Jazzahead.
If you’re not familiar with it, it’s possibly the world’s largest jazz trade fair, with around 3,000 professionals and more than 20,000 visitors. What makes it a slightly strange (and challenging) place is that there are far more people trying to sell something than there are people buying. As a musician, I’m there to present my projects to bookers and venues — but so is everyone else.
That said, I still really enjoy going. It’s one of those places where you run into old friends and colleagues from all over the world, and, of course, there’s a lot of great music to hear.
This year I’m bringing a new project:
Richard Andersson Trio feat. Sullivan Fortner & Jorge Rossy
The plan is to book concerts for March next year, when the album will also be released on Hobby Horse Records.
German Jazz Prize nomination & new recordings
On top of that, I’m very happy (and a bit surprised) that OMRUM has been nominated for “Debut Album of the Year” at the German Jazz Prize, which takes place this Saturday.
Unlike many awards, this one actually comes with a financial prize - even just being nominated - which is very welcome. Especially because OMRUM is heading straight into the studio on Monday to record our second album.
We’ll go to the summer house of our trombone player, Mads Hyhne, for three days, and it’s going to be all about music, good food, and that special kind of deep focus that only happens when you step away from everyday life. I’m really looking forward to it.
Family time (and a big day)
After a couple of very busy weeks, it’s time to shift focus completely.
My 14 year old daughter Agnes will be confirmed in the Danish church, which means we’re hosting a big celebration. Thankfully, the new house has progressed enough that we can actually hold the party there.
It will be a bit of a raw setting — tables and chairs on bare concrete — but knowing my better half Anne, it will still be warm and beautiful.
I already know it’s going to be an emotional day. It’s a strange feeling seeing your child suddenly not being a child anymore. I’ll probably try to play it cool… and fail.
Monk & More - great reviews… and not-so-great ones
Monk & More has been receiving a lot of positive feedback internationally.
Here’s a line from a recent review:
“Here is an album that is both exciting and excellent from beginning to end.”
MAKING A SCENE MAGAZINE
At the same time, we also received a rather critical review here in Denmark, suggesting that I should sound more like Charles Mingus, and that Rudi Mahall should play the flute like Eric Dolphy.
Well… we can’t really change who we are - and honestly, we wouldn’t want to. The good news is that many listeners seem to connect with what we’re doing, and that means everything.
If you happen to be in Bremen during Jazzahead, please do come and say hello.
And wherever you are, I hope you’re enjoying the arrival of spring. We certainly are… especially after a winter where the pipes in our temporary home froze twice in a single month.