Ella Fitzgerald 110 - The First Lady of Song
In celebration of the 110th anniversary of Ella Fitzgerald’s birth, one of today’s most captivating jazz vocalists, Emmalisa Hallander, joins forces with an exceptional trio featuring pianist Calle Brickman, bassist Tobias Dall, and drummer Nikolaj Dall.
Together, they revisit some of the songs that made Ella Fitzgerald one of the most beloved voices in music history. From swinging classics to intimate ballads, the programme captures the spirit of an artist whose influence continues to shape jazz today.
This is a fresh interpretation of Ella’s remarkable musical world, celebrating the timeless appeal of her songs while allowing each musician to bring something of their own to the music.
Artist highlights
Emmalisa Hallander
With a crystal-clear Scandinavian timbre, Sweden’s newest jazz vocal star Emmalisa Hallander enchants listeners through her expressive approach to both jazz standards and innovative contemporary sounds. She is admired for her presence and poetic musicality, and she was most recently featured at Epicurus in Diamonds Are Forever, our jazz portrait of James Bond.
Calle Brickman
The award-winning Swedish pianist Calle Brickman has become a mainstay of Niels Lan Doky’s productions over the past decade, sharing the stage with the legendary drummer Alvin Queen, among others. He has been featured in our Miles Davis Marathon and in Diamonds Are Forever. Deeply rooted in both jazz and classical piano traditions, Brickman is celebrated for his virtuosity, delicate touch, and the distinctively Nordic lyricism that defines his sound.
Tobias Dall
One of Denmark’s most in-demand bassists and a member of the Niels Lan Doky Trio, Tobias Dall brings a rich, melodic approach to his instrument. He anchors ensembles with a depth and groove reminiscent of the jazz greats, captivating audiences with his artistry and dynamic presence. He also appears on Alvin Queen’s album “Night Train to Copenhagen”.
Nikolaj Dall
A member of the Niels Lan Doky Trio, Nikolaj Dall is a versatile Danish drummer whose powerful yet nuanced playing makes him equally at home in straight-ahead jazz, fusion and beyond. He is featured on Niels Lan Doky’s album “Yesterday’s Future”, and his energetic style and precise timing bring every performance to life.
“Ella Fitzgerald had that rare ability to make even the most extraordinary music sound effortless. Her influence is immeasurable, and it’s exciting to hear a young talent like Emmalisa Hallander bring her own voice to Ella’s timeless legacy.”
Album Schedule
Emmalisa Hallander
– A Rising Star of Swedish Vocal Jazz
Swedish vocalist and composer Emmalisa Hallander has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young voices in European jazz. With a natural sense of swing and an extraordinary gift for improvisation, she brings the golden age of vocal jazz into the present with remarkable authenticity. Her dazzling scat singing has drawn comparisons to legends such as Anita O’Day and Alice Babs, while her captivating stage presence reveals an artist with a musical personality entirely her own.
Since graduating from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm in 2023, Hallander has released two critically acclaimed solo albums, Have a Look Inside (2023) and Out of Reach (2025). Named Breakthrough of the Year by Swedish music magazine Lira in 2023, she has since received several prestigious awards, including the Monica Zetterlund Scholarship. Her career has taken her from sold-out jazz clubs in Stockholm to international performances in Japan, establishing her as one of Sweden’s most promising new jazz artists.
Beyond her remarkable vocal abilities, Hallander is an accomplished songwriter whose original compositions capture the romantic spirit of classic jazz while speaking to a contemporary audience. With an instinctive understanding of the music’s traditions and a playful approach to improvisation, she represents a new generation carrying the legacy of the great jazz vocalists forward.
Artist highlights
Emmalisa Hallander
With a crystal-clear Scandinavian timbre, Sweden’s newest jazz vocal star Emmalisa Hallander enchants listeners through her expressive approach to both jazz standards and innovative contemporary sounds. She is admired for her presence and poetic musicality, and she was most recently featured at Epicurus in Diamonds Are Forever, our jazz portrait of James Bond.
Calle Brickman
The award-winning Swedish pianist Calle Brickman has become a mainstay of Niels Lan Doky’s productions over the past decade, sharing the stage with the legendary drummer Alvin Queen, among others. He has been featured in our Miles Davis Marathon and in Diamonds Are Forever. Deeply rooted in both jazz and classical piano traditions, Brickman is celebrated for his virtuosity, delicate touch, and the distinctively Nordic lyricism that defines his sound.
Tobias Dall
One of Denmark’s most in-demand bassists and a member of the Niels Lan Doky Trio, Tobias Dall brings a rich, melodic approach to his instrument. He anchors ensembles with a depth and groove reminiscent of the jazz greats, captivating audiences with his artistry and dynamic presence. He also appears on Alvin Queen’s album “Night Train to Copenhagen”.
Nikolaj Dall
A member of the Niels Lan Doky Trio, Nikolaj Dall is a versatile Danish drummer whose powerful yet nuanced playing makes him equally at home in straight-ahead jazz, fusion and beyond. He is featured on Niels Lan Doky’s album “Yesterday’s Future”, and his energetic style and precise timing bring every performance to life.