Jacob Christoffersen
pianist
Jacob Christoffersen (b. 1967) is a Danish jazz pianist and composer.
Jacob attended music school at the age of 9 and began his professional career at 13. He performed with his own band, feat. violinist Kristian Jørgensen, in small jazz clubs and on festivals moving on to radio and national TV. As a young jazz musician, he caught a lot of attention nationwide with his ’mature’ way of playing, and at the age of 17 he received his first jazz price ’Sørens Penge’ for his outstanding playing and musicianship.
He moved to Copenhagen to be a part of the vibrant music scene, playing mostly jazz, but gradually also going in the direction of pop, gospel, and especially funk. He joined the popular Danish group Ridin’ Thumb, and co-founded various of other bands – for instance with saxofonist, Christina Nielsen (also known as Christina Dahl). In the following years he toured and recorded with numerous of musicians – not to mention Fred Wesley and James Moody.
From mid 1990ies he was a member of saxophonist Hans Ulrik´s band, as well as saxophonist Lars Møller Group. Both groups received Danish Music Awards (Grammys), and they toured extensively all over the world (China, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Numea, Russia, Scandinavia, Europe, and USA). From 1990-2005 he was a member of singer, Majbritte Ulrikkeholm’s various groups, and they recorded several albums. Being the pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and co –composer, he positioned himself as an important player on the Danish Pop/Gospel scene.
In 1999 he formed his own trio and quartet with original material, developing his own sound and musical ideas. The outcome is four jazz recordings as well as massive touring all over Europe. From 1999-2014 he got appointed Associate Professor at The Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen. During that period he collaborated with the internationally acclaimed and renowned bass player, Chris Minh Doky – recording and touring throughout Europe and Asia.
In 2001 he joined the Danish, iconic band Shu-bi-dua, playing various instruments (piano, keys, guitar, accordion, saxophone etc.), and the following decade he played around 600 concerts with this band, often in front of huge audiences. Shu-bi-dua sold more than 7 million records – in Denmark alone.
In 2013 he received the prestigious award ’The Ben Webster Honorary Prize’ in recognition for his outstanding achievements on the Danish jazz scene.
From 2010-2018 Jacob was associated with the renowned, legendary Copenhagen jazz club ’Jazzhus Montmartre’. He leads and participates in different groups and musical constellations starring numerous internationally acclaimed jazz musicians such as: Jeff ’Tain’ Watts, Terry Linn Carrington, Peter Erskine, Till Brönner, Rodney Green, Warren Wolf, Nona Hendryx, Gregory Hutchinson, Lee Pearson, Kenny Washington, Peter Asplund and many more.
In Denmark, Jacob is the pianist of the internationally acclaimed Danish jazz singer, Sinne Eeg. He has recorded and toured with her since 2005 – featuring on eight of her albums and playing more than 500 hundred concerts worldwide as well as receiving two Danish Grammy awards.
For more than a decade, Jacob has teamed up with the Danish / Swedish / Norwegian jazz vocalist Cathrine Legardh – in the band ‘Tribute to Monica Zetterlund’ (Jazz på svenska).
Jacob also co-leads the very new band: Copenhagen Jazz Experience together with his old friend, saxophone player, Claus Waidtløw – the band also feature bass player Daniel Franck and drummer Jeppe Gram.
Finally, it is worth mentioning Jacob’s long time collaboration with the renowned, Danish bass virtuous, Thomas Fonnesbæk. Together with the Swedish drummer Rasmus Kihlberg, they feature on his upcoming trio album, which will be launched on Storyville Records in September 2024.
ALBUMS
A Good Day 2024
We Want You 2016
JC3 2011
Facing The Sun 2005
JazzXperience 1999
STUNT RECORDS