Niels Lan Doky's "Ben Webster Award" Journey

Niels Lan Doky, the knighted Danish jazz pianist, experienced in 2008 a significant milestone in his musical journey – the prestigious Ben Webster Award. This accolade not only recognized his outstanding musical prowess but also brought about a remarkable reunion and collaboration with his brother, Chris Lan Doky. Let's delve into this captivating chapter.

The Reunion and Award Announcement

In a twist of fate during a family celebration in Paris, Niels and Chris found themselves on stage together after a decade-long hiatus from performing as a duo. This impromptu performance turned out to be the catalyst for a chain of extraordinary events. Shortly after, the Ben Webster Foundation honored both brothers with the esteemed Ben Webster Award 2008, a remarkable recognition of their contributions to the jazz realm. This prestigious award not only bestowed a monetary prize but also offered them a platform for a special concert.

The Resonating Concert at Glassalen in Tivoli Gardens

The culmination of this honor led to a captivating concert at Glassalen in Tivoli Gardens, a performance that was highly anticipated and embraced by jazz enthusiasts. All 900 tickets were sold out in advance. The show was reportedly attended by HM The Queen of Denmark, who was involved in creating the Ben Webster Foundation in 1976. The evening was a mesmerizing blend of musical brilliance featuring Niels and his quartet with violinist Didier Lockwood added to his trio with Pierre Boussaguet and Alex Riel. Following this, Chris took the stage with his quartet.

Uniting Talents - Niels and Chris in Trio Harmony

The zenith of the concert was the collaborative set featuring Niels and Chris in a trio setting, accompanied by the illustrious Alex Riel on drums. Their synchronized synergy created an enchanting musical atmosphere, captivating the audience with their seamless interplay and musical eloquence. The night was not only a celebration of their individual talents but also a poignant display of the magic they create together, prompting a tradition of annual performances since that memorable concert.