By Michela DellaMonica, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — This Saturday May 10th the lively music event “Jazz Ahead” returns to Clube dos Macacos in Jardim Botânico in Zona Sul (South Zone) at 10PM. This edition is a tribute to the legendary Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen by his pupil, Morten Ankarfeldt.
The Jazz Ahead series has become a well attended party showcasing one of the favorites of the Carioca jazz scene, Quinteto Nuclear. Every event is dedicated to a special jazz artist along with house acts; jazz group Quinteto Nuclear, DJ Gustavo MM and VJ Nelson Porto.
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, nicknamed NHOP, was known for his rich bass sound and distinct melodic imagination, besides being an improviser with dexterity and coordination at rapid tempo. NHOP has performed as bassist with some of the best American jazz musicians, including Ben Webster, Brew Moore, Bud Powell, Count Basie, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Jackie McLean and singer Ella Fitzgerald.
In honoring NHOP, the event will be attended by Morten Ankarfeldt along with a special performance. The Danish bassist, formed in classical music, is today one of the busiest musicians in Denmark. Morten studied in New York with some of the best masters of bass, as was NHOP.
Throughout the evening there will be visual effects by VJ Port Nelson, who will present a live painting during the party, in addition to his work with the presentation of sequences of photos into videos, creating short films and experimental loops with projections.
Tickets are still available for R$60 and can be purchased at the door between 3PM and 7PM. The venue is an open air space at the Clube dos Macacos, named after the Rio dos Macacos (Monkey River) located on Rua Pacheco Leão, high up in Jardim Botânico (Botanic Gardens). Taxi service is highly recommended.
What: Jazz Ahead
When: Saturday, May 10th at 10PM
Where: Clube dos Macacos, Rua Pacheco Leão, 2038 – Jardim Botânico
Entrance: R$40-70, tickets can be bought at the door between 3PM and 7PM.