Debbie Sledge - with Niels Lan Doky Trio
– The Voice of “We Are Family” Meets Jazz
The extraordinary American singer and music industry legend Debbie Sledge released “We Are Family” in 1979 with her group Sister Sledge. It remains one of the most popular and enduring songs of all time. She also collaborated with James Brown at the historic Rumble In The Jungle concert in Zaïre in 1974. Also a devoted jazz singer, she has performed at the Cotton Club in Harlem and other renowned venues.
Since teaming up with acclaimed jazz pianist Niels Lan Doky, she has been taking audiences by storm. Their compelling renditions of soul and jazz classics, as well as lesser-known gems, garner standing ovations night after night. The music is vibrant, emotionally intense, and intuitive.
Artist highlights
Debbie Sledge
An icon of American music, Debbie Sledge first rose to fame with Sister Sledge, whose anthem We Are Family remains one of the most enduring songs of all time. A lifelong jazz devotee, she brings unparalleled vocal mastery and heart to every performance.
Niels Lan Doky
Aside from performing, arranging, composing and producing music, Niels Lan Doky has worked as a film director, author, venue owner, speaker, and he is Knighted by HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. He has released 45 albums since 1986 and the international press has called him "the best pianist of his generation" and “one of the most important pianists that European jazz has given us in the last 50 years”.
Morten Ramsbøl
A cornerstone of Nordic jazz, Morten Ramsbøl blends lyrical sensitivity with deep groove and melodic warmth. Based in Graz, where he serves as Professor of Jazz Bass, he has performed with artists such as Kurt Elling, John Scofield, and Peter Erskine.
Nikolaj Dall
A versatile Danish drummer whose powerful yet nuanced playing makes him equally at home in straight-ahead jazz, fusion, and beyond. His dynamic style and precise timing bring every performance to life.
“How she succeeded to make Stevie Wonder’s up-tempo ‘Living for the City’ segue effortlessly into ‘My Funny Valentine,’ and simultaneously deliver one of the most heartfelt renditions of this classic song I have ever heard, is a mystery to me, but it worked; to the point that not a single hair on the back of my neck remained still.”
Album Schedule
Debbie Sledge
The incomparable Debbie Sledge of legendary soul group Sister Sledge has taken audiences by storm since teaming up with acclaimed jazz pianist Niels Lan Doky and his trio. Their intimate musical journey through compelling renditions of soul and jazz classics, as well as lesser known gems, has garnered standing ovations night after night. In an article in Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende, journalist Kim Flyvbjerg writes “How she succeeded to make Stevie Wonder’s up-tempo ‘Living for the City’ segue effortlessly into ‘My Funny Valentine,’ and simultaneously deliver one of the most heartfelt renditions of this classic song I have ever heard, is a mystery to me, but it worked; to the point that not a single hair on the back of my neck remained still.”
A highly unusual concert experience with a deeply engaged and open minded musical conversation occurring constantly between all four performers creates a collective experience rather than the conventional vocalist-with-accompaniment setting. Debbie explains: “The great thing about working with Niels is that everything is possible; nothing is excluded”. The music is vibrant, emotionally intense and intuitive. Each performer simultaneously listens and communicates eloquently with the others; they clearly display a deep respect and admiration for each other. The audience feels involved, not just as observers, but an integral part of the musical journey.
“Debbie Sledge brings both the power of soul and the sensitivity of jazz to every note. When she sings, time stands still.”
Artist highlights
Debbie Sledge
An icon of American music, Debbie Sledge first rose to fame with Sister Sledge, whose anthem We Are Family remains one of the most enduring songs of all time. A lifelong jazz devotee, she brings unparalleled vocal mastery and heart to every performance.
Niels Lan Doky
Aside from performing, arranging, composing and producing music, Niels Lan Doky has worked as a film director, author, venue owner, speaker, and he is Knighted by HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. He has released 45 albums since 1986 and the international press has called him "the best pianist of his generation" and “one of the most important pianists that European jazz has given us in the last 50 years”.
Morten Ramsbøl
A cornerstone of Nordic jazz, Morten Ramsbøl blends lyrical sensitivity with deep groove and melodic warmth. Based in Graz, where he serves as Professor of Jazz Bass, he has performed with artists such as Kurt Elling, John Scofield, and Peter Erskine.
Nikolaj Dall
A versatile Danish drummer whose powerful yet nuanced playing makes him equally at home in straight-ahead jazz, fusion, and beyond. His dynamic style and precise timing bring every performance to life.