Acclaimed Danish vocalist Sinne Eeg (pronounced Seeneh Ee) has built a global fanbase with her impeccable technique, rich tone, and expressive interpretations. With accolades from DownBeat Magazine and JazzTimes, Eeg is widely recognized as one of the finest jazz vocalists of her generation—praised for her enunciation, emotional depth, and commanding presence onstage.
Now, after twelve albums as a leader, Eeg steps into a new chapter with the release of SHIKIORI, a deeply personal and atmospheric live album recorded in duo with her longtime pianist Jacob Christoffersen. The project, released on July 11, 2025 via Stunt Records, captures the chemistry and creative trust between these two virtuosos as they explore a repertoire of originals, jazz standards, and a reimagined pop tune.
The setting for SHIKIORI was as significant as the music itself: a 150-year-old traditional Japanese home turned concert venue nestled in the countryside. Restored by bassist Seigo Matsunaga, the house is steeped in history and spiritual energy, with a Shinto altar and artifacts honoring jazz lineage—like a photo of bass legend Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Eeg and Christoffersen performed live there, their music naturally shaped by the reverent atmosphere and their intuitive interplay.
“Singing with just a piano accompaniment does have some limitations,” Eeg admits, “but it also provides the opportunity for greater freedom and self-expression.”
Indeed, the results are intimate, spontaneous, and emotionally rich. The album opens with “Losing You,” Eeg’s haunting original with lyrics by Søren Sko, setting a moody tone with its raw sincerity. Other highlights include “Hebi” (Japanese for "snake"), a wordless, ethereal piece with a flowing, cinematic feel, and “Don’t Be So Blue,” a revisited ballad from Eeg’s 2010 catalog, reimagined here in a minimalist and poignant duet.
Christoffersen contributes three songs of his own, including the charming “Soba Flower,” inspired by his love of Japanese cuisine and culture, with lyrics from local artist Remi. His melodic instincts shine on “A Second Chance at Love,” featuring lyrics by Lisa Freeman, and the nostalgic “Seems Like Yesterday,” which gives Eeg room to showcase her signature scat improvisation.
The pair also breathe fresh life into jazz standards. Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” becomes a personal statement; “Better Than Anything” is joyfully swinging; and “Maria” (from West Side Story) is given a lyrical transformation and cinematic pacing. Eeg’s version of Annie Lennox’s “Cold” adds a jazz pulse to the pop ballad, revealing her range of influence and versatility.
What makes SHIKIORI especially noteworthy is not just the musicianship but the cultural bridge it creates. Fusing Danish artistry with Japanese aesthetics, the album is a testament to music’s power to transcend borders. Eeg’s artistic reach was formally recognized in Spring 2025 when she was awarded France’s Order of Arts and Letters, a distinction she now shares with luminaries like David Bowie and Meryl Streep.
As the first-ever jazz vocalist to receive the Ben Webster Prize, five-time winner of the Danish Music Award, and recipient of France’s Prix du Jazz, Eeg continues to cement her place in the global jazz pantheon. Her longtime musical partner, Jacob Christoffersen, is a melodic force in his own right—his sensitivity and technical finesse making him the ideal complement.
No comments:
Post a Comment