Nils Landgren – Nils Landgren 70: Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XIX (2026)

On February 15, 2026, celebrated Swedish trombonist Nils Landgren marked his 70th birthday with a landmark live performance at Berlin’s Philharmonie. This concert, captured in the recording titled "Nils Landgren 70: Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XIX," showcased a rare fusion of jazz artistry and classical brass, underscoring Landgren’s lifelong commitment to musical dialogue across genres.

The event was arranged as part of the prestigious Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic series, a fitting tribute orchestrated by Siggi Loch, founder of the ACT music label and a longtime supporter of Landgren’s career. The concert’s concept revolved around honoring Landgren’s artistic influences and collaborations, especially his profound connection with the late pianist Joe Sample, a pivotal figure in Landgren’s musical evolution.

Throughout his extensive career, Landgren has released over sixty albums and collaborated with an array of artists, crossing stylistic boundaries with a curiosity that has become his hallmark. Known affectionately as "Mr. Red Horn" for his distinctive trombone sound, Landgren’s performance at the Philharmonie revealed a broader artistic identity grounded in storytelling and emotional nuance.

The program was thoughtfully divided to reflect both Landgren’s musical community and his personal inspirations. The first half featured prominent jazz musicians from the ACT roster, who paid homage to Landgren’s influence and philosophy. Their performances emphasized jazz as a dynamic, evolving conversation rather than a static tradition, a core tenet of Landgren’s approach.

Following intermission, the concert’s focus shifted to a deeply personal tribute to Joe Sample. Sample, a founding member of The Crusaders, was celebrated not only for his technical prowess but also for his ability to blend jazz with soul, R&B, and popular American music—a blend that deeply resonated with Landgren. This segment of the evening became an intimate musical conversation bridging geography and generations.

A highlight of the event was the collaboration with the Berlin Philharmonic’s brass section, whose integration into the jazz ensemble was skillfully arranged by Swedish multi-instrumentalist and Grammy winner Magnus Lindgren. Rather than merely supporting the jazz group, the orchestra engaged in a genuine dialogue, weaving classical textures with jazz improvisations and soulful rhythms to create a seamless soundscape.

The ensemble included pianist Michael Wollny, bassist Lars Danielsson, drummer Wolfgang Haffner, and vocalist China Moses, whose involvement added a powerful vocal dimension. Moses, daughter of jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater, brought her own rich musical heritage into the mix, further enriching the concert’s narrative.

The recording opens with an evocative orchestral introduction that gradually gives way to Landgren’s soulful trombone on "Soul Shadows," setting the tone for an evening that balanced cinematic grandeur with intimate musicianship. Through this performance, Landgren demonstrated his enduring ability to transform large concert halls into spaces for personal artistic exchange.

In reflecting on the project, Landgren acknowledged the invitation to headline the Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic series as an opportunity that aligned perfectly with his artistic vision. The event symbolized a culmination of his career-long pursuit of breaking down barriers between jazz, soul, funk, and classical music, illustrating that these genres are facets of a shared human desire for communication.

The selection of repertoire centered on compositions connected to Joe Sample, chosen for their personal significance rather than mere homage. This approach ensured the concert and subsequent album conveyed sincerity and warmth, avoiding the pitfalls of perfunctory tribute.

"Nils Landgren 70: Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XIX" stands as a testament to Landgren’s status as a defining figure in contemporary European jazz. It represents not only a celebration of his milestone birthday but also a dynamic example of how jazz continues to evolve through collaboration, respect for heritage, and cross-genre exploration. Further details about tour dates or additional releases related to this project remain limited as of now, according to exystence.net.