Jazzkonkurrencen - Finale

Denmark boasts an impressive crop of young jazz talents, just waiting to be discovered. For many years, Jazzkonkurrencen (The Jazz Competition) has played a vital role in identifying and fostering the jazz stars of tomorrow. Think of names like Svaneborg Kardyb, Ginne Marker, Baryl, and Little North. At Jazz6000, they take great pride in shining a spotlight on the freshest, most vibrant branches of the jazz tree. That’s why they’ve long hosted Jazzkonkurrencen, organized in collaboration with JazzDanmark. As part of the competition, participating bands perform concerts at Dexter in Odense, Huset in Aalborg, and Alice in Copenhagen. While the final round is traditionally held at Jazzhus Montmartre in Copenhagen, the 2025 finale will take place at Godset in Kolding. We look forward to welcoming Denmark’s future jazz stars for an electrifying final show that’s more about participating and learning than winning. At Jazz6000, they cheer for all of them—and we hope you will too!

The three participating orchestras in 2025 are Veronika Rud Kvartet, Sandløber, and Zinssou Quartet.

Veronika Rud Kvartet:
Veronika Rud, singer and composer from Aarhus, creates a moody musical universe with her debut EP "While I Wait", which has gained attention on P8 Jazz. With a love for Nordic sounds, soul, and Americana, her quartet blends tradition and innovation through playful rhythms and improvisation. The result is a heartfelt sound that balances honesty and musical adventurousness.

Lineup:
Veronika Rud – vocals
Svend Winther – piano
Elias Hp – double bass
Jakob Marker – drums

Sandløber:
Sandløber takes listeners on a journey through magnificent soundscapes where Nordic jazz and traditional Danish songs meld into a common language. The band's original instrumental music weaves intimate sounds and narratives filled with warmth and intensity, creating a connection between music and listener.

Lineup:
Jakob Kaaberbøl – electric guitar
Mira Vistisen Nikolajsen – piano/rhodes
Emil Als – electric bass
Thomas Pilkington – drums/bodhran

Zinssou Quartet:
Zinssou Quartet fearlessly challenges the boundaries of modern jazz. With piano and cello leading the way, the quartet blends elements from chamber music, Nordic traditions, and expressive New York-style jazz. Their debut EP "A Testament of Youth" pays homage to naivety, joy of life, and all that fills one's youth. The band's intuitive and explorative approach to music strives for an honest and vibrant expression that resonates deeply with the listener.

Lineup:
Maiken Thunbo – cello
Carl Zinssou – piano
Elias Hvidtfeldt – double bass
Lasse Gerup – drum

Jazzkonkurrencen is organized and run by JazzDanmark in close partnership with four venues: Huset in Aalborg, Jazz6000 in Kolding, Musikhuset Dexter in Odense, and Alice in Copenhagen. The competition is primarily funded by the Gangsted Foundation.

Read more about Jazzkonkurrencen here: https://jazzdanmark.dk/project/jazzkonkurrencen/