- Miriam Nielsen
- Lotte Anker
Since the early 90s the Danish saxophonist Lotte Anker has been a key force in transforming the focus of the sound of jazz in her homeland. For decades jazz in Copenhagen largely replicated the sound of American bop, in large part because heavies like Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew, and Ben Webster had taken up residence there for long spells during their careers; their presence had a deep effect on local players. Anker was one of the folks who pushed against that grain, performing an edgier, more improvisational sound. Now 56, Anker doesn’t rest on those laurels—instead, she’s continued to push against the status quo, placing herself in new, more challenging situations. A couple of recordings released late last year reflect that widening perspective with stunning results.
https://chicagoreader.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1421436575-05_the_sleeping___the_awake_apx_2.mp3Lotte Anker, “The Sleeping and the Apex/Apx 2”
The Grassella Oliphant Quartette, The Grass Roots (Atlantic, Japan)Alexei Lubimov, Erik Satie: Le Fils de Étoiles (Passacaille)Mel & Tim, Good Guys Only Win in the Movies (Sundazed)Royal Band de Thiès, Kadior Demb (Teranga Beat)Benny Carter, New Jazz Sounds: the Urbane Sessions (Verve)
