AARHUS JAZZ FESTIVAL
July 11 - 20 2025

Mikkel Ploug Group feat Loren Stillman (DK/US/PE) - Photo: Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar

Photo: Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar

Mikkel Ploug Group feat Loren Stillman (DK/US/PE)

20:00

150
Loren Stillman (sax) Mikkel Ploug (g) Jeppe Skovbakke (b) Sean Carpio (drm)

Modern Nordic compositions and original harmonies

Since the release of their debut album on Fresh Sound New Talent in 2006 Mikkel, Sean and Jeppe have toured all over the world performing in more than 25 countries including the US and Brazil. The trio has worked with of some of todays greatest saxophonists including Americans Mark Turner and Loren Stillman. Mikkel has recorded 17 albums for renowned jazz-labels like Sunnyside Records (US), Fresh Sound (ES), Songlines (CA) and for Whirlwind Recordings (UK) and Mikkel's album “Faroe” was selected for the category “Best Instrumental Jazz Album” in the 2018 Grammy Awards. His album Balcony Lullabies won "Best Jazz Album Of 2020” by UK Newspaper Morningstar and received high praise in the Rolling Stone Magazine.
This years the group features stellar US saxophonist Loren Stillman. His impressive portfolio includes playing in the groups of jazz legends Charlie Haden & Paul Motian, Carla Bley, John Abercrombie.Early in his musical journey, Stillman received the Rising Star Jazz Artist Award (2004) from Down Beat Magazine. And in 2002 Stillman reached the semifinals of the Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition.


Mikkel and Loren share an interest in modern Nordic composers and danish Composer Bent Sørensen recently wrote a new piece for Mikkel.
The group is building on 18 years of experience interpreting Mikkel’s ever-evolving repertoire. Mikkels music has a strong scandinavian  heritage influence and it is often described as original, melody driven and personal in harmonic character, yet very approachable and inviting. Mikkel has worked in varied settings such as a soloist with both the Royal Ballet and the Danish Radio Big Band in Denmark.


He started on drums at the age of four but switched to the guitar in his teens. He graduated as Master of Jazz Guitar from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Holland with a distinction for his original composition. On drums is Sean Carpio, one of europes greatest drummers. Born in Arequipa, Peru and raised in Ireland, Seán Carpio is an award winning multi-instrumentalist whose diverse practice incorporates song, sound and improvisation. An in demand drummer since 2005 he is featured on over thirty recordings to date, and has collaborated and shared the stage with diverse artists such as Robert Stillman (The Smile), Enda Walsh, Aoife Nessa Frances, Sam Amidon, Kit Downes, Henri Texier. Jeppe Skovbakke is also bassist i bands like Guldimund, Teitur and I got you on tape and is one of Denmarks most sought for bass-players.


Organizer
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
28517962
Info/Ticket
Cover charge 150 DKK

Aarhus Jazz Festival

Godsbanen, Skovgaardsgade 3

DK-8000 Aarhus C