Jazz/Take on Prince @ Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Photo by Markus Kluge
Enter the enchanting world of jazz homage as we unravel the spellbinding performance by the Niels Lan Doky International Jazz Collective at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. On October 6th, the collective orchestrated a remarkable concert, embarking on a captivating jazz exploration of the iconic songs of Prince. Led by former Prince-drummer David "Fingers" Haynes and the remarkable French bass virtuoso, François Moutin, together with Peter asplund on trumpet and Ken Linh Doky on piano. This tribute concert paid homage to Prince's musical legacy.
An Iconic Celebration of Prince's Legacy
The Jazz/Take On Prince concert at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art was a testament to the enduring influence of Prince's music and its impact across genres. Featuring instrumental jazz renditions of select songs, carefully curated by Mayte Garcia, the concert held an air of reverence and innovation. Mayte Garcia, a prominent figure in Prince's life and an accomplished artist herself, graced the event with an introductory speech, sharing personal insights into Prince's musical inspirations and her collaboration with Niels Lan Doky in preparing this extraordinary tribute.
Prince's deep-rooted connection to jazz, influenced by his parents' musical backgrounds, was a central theme of the speech. According to Mayte Garcia, Prince's devotion to Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" album, a jazz masterpiece, reflected his profound appreciation for the genre. As Prince would have turned 65, this tribute concert became a poignant celebration of his musical genius and the timeless impact of his compositions, many of which were inspired by or dedicated to Mayte Garcia.
The Art of Jazz Interpreting Prince's Masterpieces
The Niels Lan Doky International Jazz Collective's interpretation of Prince's iconic songs was nothing short of breathtaking. With David "Fingers" Haynes, a former Prince-drummer, setting the rhythmic pulse and François Moutin's mesmerizing bass virtuosity, the collective breathed new life into these beloved compositions. Their instrumental jazz renditions paid homage to Prince's musical diversity and innovation while infusing a new dimension of jazz sophistication into the melodies.
Mayte Garcia's presence added a personal touch, sharing anecdotes and memories that illuminated the concert with a deeper understanding of Prince's creative process and inspiration. The collaborative effort between Niels Lan Doky and Mayte Garcia in curating this tribute resonated with the concert hall, creating an immersive experience that celebrated Prince's artistry while showcasing the versatility of jazz in reinterpreting contemporary classics.
Reflecting on Prince's Enduring Legacy through Jazz
The concert at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art served as a testament to the timelessness of Prince's music and its ability to transcend boundaries. Prince's profound impact on popular culture and his intricate relationship with jazz became apparent through this jazz celebration. The fusion of Prince's innovative pop compositions with the improvisational beauty of jazz highlighted the universality and adaptability of his musical legacy.
The concert not only honored Prince's music but also underscored the interconnectedness between jazz and contemporary pop, demonstrating the genre's ability to evolve and captivate audiences across generations.
