Jazz Meets Grunge: A Spectacular Jazz/Takes Concert at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Photo by Carsten Weide
On September 20, 2024, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art was alive with an electrifying fusion of jazz and grunge. As part of the Niels Lan Doky International Jazz Collective’s Jazz/Takes Series, the concert, Jazz/Take on Kurt Cobain & Nirvana, presented a reimagining of Nirvana’s raw and iconic music through the lens of jazz. The legendary saxophonist Bill Evans led a stellar international ensemble in a performance that enthralled audiences with its innovative blend of genres.
The concert was not just a reinterpretation—it was an artistic dialogue between two seemingly distant musical worlds. Grunge’s angst and energy met jazz’s fluid improvisation, creating a transcendent experience for all in attendance.
Bill Evans: Bridging Worlds Through Jazz
With over three decades of experience and a career launched by none other than Miles Davis, Bill Evans is a saxophonist of unparalleled depth and creativity. His performance at the Louisiana Museum was nothing short of spectacular. From the haunting tones of Smells Like Teen Spirit to the intricate reworking of Come As You Are, Evans brought a fresh perspective to Nirvana’s iconic repertoire.
His international ensemble was equally remarkable, with Gary Husband on piano adding harmonic sophistication, Linley Marthe on bass grounding the grunge-inspired grooves, and Nicolas Viccaro on drums driving the energy forward. Together, the group delivered an innovative and moving performance that captivated the audience from start to finish.
A Perfect Setting for Artistic Exploration
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, with its world-renowned architecture and breathtaking coastal views, provided the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking concert. The museum’s intimate concert space allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the music, while the artistic energy of the setting mirrored the creativity of the performance itself.
See the photos by Carsten Weide:
