With improvisation, playfulness, and interplay at the forefront, this virtuosic super-trio delivers a present-moment fusion of carefully selected classics in contemporary versions, Hess’s award-winning compositions, and music by Dylan, Ellington, and more.

Hess recently performed in trio format with Juilliard’s rising bass star Jayla Chee and maintains an ongoing collaborative relationship with sound and groove virtuoso Gerald Cleaver.

Nikolaj Hess’s piano playing is defined by a golden touch, a deeply personal melodic sensibility, and a creative blend of virtuosity, groove, and imagination. His musical influences reflect a profound knowledge of both American and Nordic jazz traditions, while also embracing a wide-ranging, sparkling musicality that extends into electronica, krautrock, classical, folk, and roots music.

Chee’s profoundly deep and intensely musical bass playing, paired with Cleaver’s sublimely swinging, dynamic, and i...

With improvisation, playfulness, and interplay at the forefront, this virtuosic super-trio delivers a present-moment fusion of carefully selected classics in contemporary versions, Hess’s award-winning compositions, and music by Dylan, Ellington, and more.

Hess recently performed in trio format with Juilliard’s rising bass star Jayla Chee and maintains an ongoing collaborative relationship with sound and groove virtuoso Gerald Cleaver.

Nikolaj Hess’s piano playing is defined by a golden touch, a deeply personal melodic sensibility, and a creative blend of virtuosity, groove, and imagination. His musical influences reflect a profound knowledge of both American and Nordic jazz traditions, while also embracing a wide-ranging, sparkling musicality that extends into electronica, krautrock, classical, folk, and roots music.

Chee’s profoundly deep and intensely musical bass playing, paired with Cleaver’s sublimely swinging, dynamic, and imaginative NYC drumming, creates a pulsating sonic foundation and rich dialogue with Hess’s beautifully expressive and lyrical explorations. Together they embark on a journey through atmospheric ballads, hypnotic grooves and swing, cinematic soundscapes, and singing melodic lines.

Nikolaj Hess - flygel
Jayla Chee - bas
Gerald Cleaver - trommer....

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