Music

Biography

Born on January 5th, 1970, in Haslev, Denmark, Bodilsen has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and music production.

At a young age of 8, Bodilsen stumbled upon an old trumpet in his grandparents' farm attic. Intrigued, he immediately became interested in making music with the instrument. By the age of 10, he joined the school brass band, learning to play the cornet and read sheet music. This early exposure to music ignited his passion and set the stage for his future career.

In 1984, Bodilsen received his first electric bass, marking a pivotal moment in his musical journey. He quickly joined a pop/funk band and played his first professional gig shortly after. His talent and dedication led him to pursue formal education in music.

In 1991, he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark, where he studied for five years and earned a Diploma degree in June 1997. That same year, he received The Memorial Bursary of Edward Eriksen, an acknowledgment of his exceptional skills and potential. Additionally, he was hired to teach at the academy, sharing his knowledge and inspiring future generations of musicians.

While studying at the Royal Academy, Bodilsen continued to actively perform as a professional musician. In June 1994, he had a breakthrough opportunity to perform at two All Star Concerts at the Riverboat Jazz Festival. Sharing the stage with esteemed American drummer Ed Thigpen and pianist Duke Jordan, these concerts propelled Bodilsen's career forward.

Subsequently, he had the privilege of collaborating with renowned jazz artists such as James Moody, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, Horace Parlan, Jimmy Heath, and Phil Woods. Many of these performances took place at the legendary jazz club BENT J in Aarhus, further solidifying Bodilsen's reputation as a formidable bassist.

In 1995, Bodilsen relocated to Copenhagen, an important move that opened up new opportunities for him. He was immediately invited to join the Erling Kroner Dream Quartet, a testament to his talent and growing recognition in the jazz scene.

Over the years, he toured with various bands based in Aarhus and Copenhagen. In 1997, fate intervened when Bodilsen reunited with Ed Thigpen, who wanted him to join his trio. Alongside pianist Carsten Dahl, the trio recorded their first album, "It's Entertainment," in 1998. The album received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for a Danish Grammy and winning the JazzSpecial Prize for "Album of the Year." The collaboration with Thigpen lasted an impressive 13 years, resulting in six album releases that showcased their exceptional chemistry and musical prowess.

Bodilsen's passion for producing music and exploring new musical constellations led him to co-produce for Danish vocalist Katrine Madsen. This collaboration lasted over a decade and further honed his skills as a producer. In 2002, he founded his own music production company FAMILY Music Productions, embarking on a journey to curate and promote exceptional talent. Throughout his career, Bodilsen has produced more than 100 albums, working with a diverse range of artists and genres.

In addition to his remarkable performances and production work, Bodilsen was invited to perform at the prestigious Jazzpar Prize concerts in 1998, 2002, and 2004. In 2002, he had the privilege of performing alongside Italian trumpet player Enrico Rava, pianist Stefano Bollani, trombonist Gianluca Petrella, guitarist John Abercrombie, and drummer Morten Lund.

These collaborations led to further opportunities, including a trio tour with Bollani and Lund, which resulted in the formation of the Jesper Bodilsen Trio. The trio's first album, "Mi ritorni in mente," was released in 2003 under the Jesper Bodilsen Trio name. The following year, Bollani-Bodilsen-Lund recorded their second album, "Gleda," which gained international recognition, reaching the fourth spot on the Italian Jazz Charts and receiving a nomination for an Australian Bell Award for "Best International Jazz Album." The trio, known for their sublime performances and exceptional empathy, toured extensively, captivating audiences at prestigious festivals and venues worldwide.

Building on the success of the trio, Bodilsen collaborated with singer Katrine Madsen on the album "Close to You," which received a Danish Music Award nomination for "Best Vocal Jazz Album."

In 2009, the trio, now under the name Stefano Bollani Trio achieved a significant milestone by recording their album "Stone In The Water" under the highly esteemed ECM label, with renowned producer Manfred Eicher. The album was hailed as the best trio recording of the year by several jazz magazines worldwide, also showcasing Bodilsen's skills as a composer.

Continuing his exploration of musical collaborations, Bodilsen recorded the album "Short Stories for Dreamers" in 2010. The album featured Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius, trumpeter Peter Asplund, and Finnish vibraphonist Severi Pyysalo.

It was praised for its calmness and lyrical mood, further establishing Bodilsen's ability to create evocative and captivating musical landscapes.

In recent years, Bodilsen's talents extended beyond performances and production. He became involved in successful TV shows such as "Sostiene Bollani," where he collaborated with pianist Stefano Bollani in a series of broadcasts on the Italian national channel RAI 3. These ventures showcased his versatility and ability to engage audiences across different mediums.

Apart from his artistic endeavors, Bodilsen has dedicated significant time to music education. Since leaving the conservatory in 1997, he has been teaching music throughout his career, nurturing and inspiring emerging musicians. In 2012, he was elected as the chairman of the Danish Jazz Musician's Association, a position that allows him to contribute to the education and development of professional improvising musicians. Through masterclasses and courses organized by the association, Bodilsen ensures Danish musicians have access to the best instructors and opportunities for growth and inspiration.

Bodilsen's illustrious career includes performances with world-class musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Phil Woods, Tom Harrell, Dino Saluzzi, Enrico Rava, Gregory Porter, Marc Turner, Bill Frisell, James Moody, Benny Golson, David Sanchez, Jimmy Heath, Seamus Blake, Duke Jordan, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Paolo Fresu, Joe Calderazzo, Gino Vanelli, and Lionel Loueke.

His collaborations and contributions have enriched the jazz landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Continuing to release albums under his own name and in various groups, Bodilsen's most recent projects include the albums with his group Acouspace Plus (2016), the trio Pieris (2018), the duo Fellowship (2021) and the albums with the successful trio Gunde-Bodilsen-Lund who has released 3 albums and gained millions of streams. These projects reflect his ongoing musical explorations and his commitment to artistic excellence.

Jesper Bodilsen's talent as a bassist, composer and educator has garnered widespread acclaim. Music critics from around the world have praised his warm sound, dexterity, faultless intonation, and ability to convey calmness even in the midst of musical intensity. His contributions to the jazz genre and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians make him a true luminary in the world of music.

In 2021 he also started up the label Mingus Records as an add-on to his previous music production company FAMILY Music Productions. Mingus Records releases high quality jazz and improvised music with international artist.

In conclusion, Jesper Bodilsen's journey from a young boy discovering music in his grandparents' attic to becoming a highly respected and influential figure in jazz and music production is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and passion for the art form. Through his performances, compositions, productions, and teaching, Bodilsen has left an indelible mark on the jazz community and continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike with his musical virtuosity and creative spirit.