Following two completely sold-out concerts—which drew standing ovations—celebrating bass legend Bo Stief’s 80th birthday in October, we are now adding an extra concert: a Sunday matinee at 3:00 PM during the 2027 Vinterjazz festival.

Bo Stief will be joined by four young star musicians—handpicked by him for this occasion—all of whom he has mentored during their rise. Also appearing is his wife, Anne, who will recite his poems.

Bo Stief has played with numerous giants, from Dexter Gordon to Miles Davis, and continues tirelessly to perform across generations and genres.

What is he known for?

Bo Stief’s musical heart pulses with young blood, vigor, and vitality. He began his musical journey at the age of 17—right here at Jazzhus Montmartre—launching what has become one of the most significant careers in recent Danish music history.

His ascent was marked early on by a long-standing collaboration and friendship with trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg. This began in groups such as the Riel-Mikkelborg Quintet, which triumphed at the Montreux and Newport Jazz Festivals in 1968. Later, he was part of the group Entrance, which released three highly acclaimed, best-selling LPs between 1976 and 1985—often described as Europe’s answer to Weather Report.

Bo has also enjoyed a substantial international career; he contributed to Miles Davis’s Grammy-winning album *Aura* and has appeared on hundreds of other records alongside an impressive array of Danish and international musicians. Bo Stief has a special passion for cultivating new musical talent. He has taught at every Danish conservatory, as well as at numerous MGK (pre-conservatory) programs, folk high schools, and *efterskoler* (boarding schools). His workshops for young talent—held under the auspices of the annual *Playground Live* initiative—have been particularly successful, leaving their mark on an entire generation of emerging young musicians.

What can I expect?

Drawing on years of experience, the music is—in Bo’s own words—"tried-and-tested, life-affirming, uplifting 'NOW' music, full of vigor and energy, which transcends boundaries and crosses multiple genres." It reflects his versatile and impressive international career.

The highly unusual combination of instruments, paired with the musicians' diverse backgrounds, creates a unique band sound. Bo describes it as follows: "It is 'here and now'—spontaneous, wild, challenging, poetic, chaotic, wondrous, atmospheric, vital, and dynamic—an explosive musical experience."

These handpicked young star musicians interpret Bo Stief’s meticulously crafted, colorful, collage-like compositions with high energy and deep immersion. The music draws inspiration from classical, rock, pop, jazz, improvisation, New Age, world music, film scores, and folk music. As Bo puts it: "Fueled by passion, all these influences converge into a forward-looking, optimistic, collective 'NOW' music."

Bo Stief’s thought-provoking "NOW-word poems" are recited from the stage—poetically and with deep feeling—by his wife, Anne Stief, serving as an atmospheric element of the ensemble's overall expression.

What should I know about the band? There are no fewer than two bassists on stage this evening. In addition to Bo Stief, the lineup includes bassist Mathæus Bech—who studied under Bo as his teacher and mentor from the age of 15—before going on to complete his conservatory education, first at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory and subsequently at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen.

Mathæus Bech has, among other things, performed with Guldimund and served as a musical director for theater productions at Østre Gasværk. He also received a Gaffa Award for his initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which he broadcast live concerts featuring a wide array of musicians from his living room in Christianshavn. Today, he is one half of the duo Dybfølt.

The duo Dybfølt also features cellist Kirstine Elise Pedersen. They are known for both original compositions and innovative interpretations—bridging the gap between classical and folk music—of works by composers such as Rued Langgaard and Else Marie Pade. In 2024, Dybfølt won the prestigious P2 Prize from the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), and in 2025, their latest album, *Decembersol*, was selected as P2’s "Album of the Week."

Guitarist Mads Nørgaard is widely recognized within the jazz scene, notably as a member of the group The Orgelheimers. He is also a key figure in the project Lucky Lo, which—with its genre-bending alt-pop—has performed at venues such as the Roskilde Festival and garnered significant critical acclaim.

Trumpeter Rasmus Mikkelsen was a participant in Bo Stief’s talent initiative, *Playground Live*, back in 2019. Today, he is a sought-after and versatile musician, active across both the jazz and rock scenes.