Simon Toldam & Prügelknabe // Henri Texier Strada Sextet

Simon Toldam & Prügelknabe

26-year old pianist Simon Toldam is one the great hopes of the Danish jazz scene. His reputation, however, is not so much founded in his captivating piano playing as in his ambitious band projects with unusual instrumentation: at the Jazz Festival Copenhagen his composition for four bass clarinets attracted considerable attention.

All qualities of the perceptive composer, arranger and band leader are effectively incorporated in his band Prügelknabe (“whipping boy”). Toldam knows how to dismantle the usual song structures and depart as far from the traditional song as from stale standard jazz interpretations; at the same time he is able to successfully integrate a complete string section. His compositions interlace the lightness of pop, the structural variety of New Music, the eruptive spontaneity of jazz and the emotional ardour of folk into a finely woven tissue. With his pointed use of musical materials Toldam achieves a unique synthesis between broad structure and the precise evolvement of the moment.

Henri Texier Strada Sextet

French bass player Henri Texier has been involved in the development of European jazz from the 60s until today. His reputation grew when playing with the European bands of Phil Woods or Don Cherry; alongside George Gruntz and Daniel Humair he was part of European Rhythm Machine fame. Apart from European and American sources, he was also inspired by the rich cultural treasures introduced by African immigrants.

The rebellious bass player with the soft demeanour has always regarded jazz as a medium of opposition. With his Strada Sextet he gathers the crème de la crème of the young French scene, opening up a highly inspiring dialogue between two generations.