A Jazz Odyssey: Mike Stern, Niels Lan Doky, Steve Rodby & Paul Wertico Mini Tour of Denmark

Photo by Bo Petersen

The Niels Lan Doky International Jazz Collective brought jazz excellence to Denmark with their mini tour in Holbæk and Århus on August 31st and September 1st, 2024. This incredible lineup featured Danish jazz icon Niels Lan Doky, alongside guitar legend Mike Stern, and the renowned rhythm section of Steve Rodby and Paul Wertico. Together, they created two unforgettable evenings of innovative, world-class jazz.

Holbæk Jazz Festival: A Night to Remember

The first stop on the mini tour was the first-ever Holbæk Jazz Festival, where jazz lovers gathered to witness this extraordinary collaboration. The festival’s intimate atmosphere made the performance even more special, allowing the audience to experience the intricate interplay between these legendary musicians up close. Niels Lan Doky’s piano mastery, paired with Mike Stern’s mesmerizing guitar work, filled the venue with energy and emotion.

Rodby and Wertico, veterans of the iconic Pat Metheny Group, provided a dynamic and seamless rhythm section that elevated the performance. Their ability to lock into the groove and add layers of texture was on full display, reminding the audience why they are considered one of the best rhythm sections in modern jazz history.

Musikhuset Århus: Jazz at Its Finest

The tour concluded at Musikhuset Århus, one of Denmark’s premier concert venues. With its world-class acoustics, this iconic venue provided the perfect stage for a night of virtuosic jazz. The synergy between the musicians was undeniable, as they effortlessly blended improvisation with complex arrangements. Doky’s leadership and Stern’s fiery solos were complemented by Rodby’s rich basslines and Wertico’s inventive drumming.

As the final notes echoed through the hall, it was clear that this performance was one for the ages. The audience left inspired, having experienced a truly unique and profound evening of jazz, marked by creativity, skill, and collaboration.

See the photos from Holbæk Jazz Festival by Tonny Wass: