Søren Høst with Jesper Thilo’s Rhythm Section – Jazzklub Bornholm

TRIBUTE TO THILO

Saxofonus Emeritus!

That was how Jesper Thilo signed his name in the final years of his life. A conservatory-trained clarinetist – trombone, trumpet, flute, the entire saxophone family, but above all a TENOR SAXOPHONIST. With unparalleled instrumental mastery and a huge tone, he went to the practice room every day throughout his life to maintain his already high standards. In short – an incomparable professional musician! Traditional jazz, swing, bebop – Jesper mastered it all!

From Arnved Meyer’s bands to the Danish Radio Big Band, to the Jesper Thilo Quintet and Quartet, and to countless concerts with the great American jazz veterans and a reputation that extended far beyond Denmark’s borders. Alongside Asmussen and Nhøp, one of Denmark’s truly great names in jazz!

With a language all his own and the darkest humor, he had both his bandmates on stage and the audience doubled over with laughter at his stories of real life as a musician, venturing into jazz’s wildest extremes! “Half of it is probably a lie – but surely that doesn’t matter,” he said. After all, you have to be able to see the funny side, as the title of his biography, “Man skal kunne se komikken”, reminds us.

Through it all, the great saxophonist swung like hell!! Those of us who played with him soaked it all up and learned a great deal about being on stage and giving the audience an experience. Because that was what it was all about!

Søren Kristiansen – Jesper’s pianist since 1990.

• Søren Høst – Tenor saxophone / DK
• Søren Kristiansen – Piano / DK
• Daniel Franck – Bass / DK
• Frands Rifbjerg – Drums / DK