Nikolaj graudated from Det Rytmiske Musikkonservatorium, (Rhythmic Conservatory) in 1989 at the age of 22.He was the first to get highest grade 13 for concert performance in piano, his main subject.
He was awarded the 1987 Gold Prize in “Berlingske Tidendes” competition for non-classical music, Copenhagen and in 1991 the RAI competition, the category ”Best European jazz pianist under age of 25”, Rome.
Nikolaj Hess later studied piano and composition in the US with Richie Beirach, Danilo Perez and Gary Dial, Sophia Rosoff and Zitta Zohar. He also studied in West Africa at University of Legon, Ghana, with master drummer Odartey, Dele Sosimi and others and played with legendary saxofonist/singer Fela Kuti in Lagos Nigeria.
Nikolaj Hess is besides being a busy musician, composer, bandleader and side man also associate professor at the Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen, and have been teaching part time since 1996. He has also been teaching at New School University in New York, The Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, Conservatoire National Superieur de Music de Paris, Funda College, South Africa.
Today Nikolaj Hess is one of the most requested Danish pianists for studio recordings, live sessions, as a composer and bandleader. Nikolaj Hess has been side man for studio recordings, live concerts for several bands and musicians in nearly every rhythmical genre from jazz, pop, gospel to classical and electronica.
As producer, arranger,composer, bandleader and side man Nikolaj Hess has been recording for such renowned labels as Sony, Stunt Records/ Sundance Music, Music Mecca, Rainbow/Ex Libris, Callibrated, Music For Dreams, Storyville Records, Edel/Mega Records, Olufsen Records, Calibre, Ellipsis Art and Sunnyside Records.
The Music
Nikolaj Hess spent most of his musical life either in New York or Copenhagen if he is not touring. Nikolaj Hess has composed and arranged for solo piano, small groups, large string ensemble, big band, choirs and saxophone quartet. As musican, composer, producer and arranger, Hess has appeared on more that 100 albums since his debut with Hess Quartet feat. Hans Ulrik, Nikolaj Hess, Hugo Rasmussen, Aage Tanggaard & Lisbeth Diers [Olufsen Records 1990].
As Band leader: Both as composer and band leader he is very productive. As band leader he currently composes, tours and records with following bands:
Global Motion +
Line-up:
Nikolaj Hess (piano)
Marc Mommaas (sax)
John Hebert (bass)
Tony Moreno (Dr)
Ben Monder (gui)
Jeff Ballard (perc)
Throughout Global Motion +, Hess and his unit create a musical language of their own, one which combines the worlds of East and West, Eruope and Amerca into a dusty multicultural stew of bouncing rhythms and complex melodies.
Released the album ”Global Motion” on Sundance /Stunt Recrods in late 2009.
Find info on the release here http://www.sundance.dk/artrel.php?art=263&go=3&view=321
Spacelab
Line-up:
Nikolaj Hess (hammond)
Anders Christensen (Bass)
Mikkel Hess (drums)
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