Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XIX : Nils Landgren 70

Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XIX : Nils Landgren 70

Limitierte und nummerierte Auflage: transparent-rote Doppel-LP

Nils Landgren vocals & trombone
Michael Wollny piano
Lars Danielsson double bass
Wolfgang Haffner drums
China Moses vocals (3-7)
Magnus Lindgren direction, arrangements, tenor saxophone & flute 

Mitglieder der Berliner Philharmoniker
Sarah Willis, horn
Stephan Stadtfeld, trumpet (guest)
Guillermo Serrano Marchena, trumpet
Jonathon Ramsey, trombone
Jesper Busk Sørensen, trombone
Angus Butt, bass-trombone (guest)
Alexander von Puttkamer, tuba 

Backing vocals on “Ain’t Nobody”
Viktoria Tolstoy, Ida Sand, Jessica Pilnäs, Cæcilie Norby, Johan Norberg

Am 15. Februar 2026 feierte Posaunist und Sänger Nils Landgren seinen 70. Geburtstag – wie es sich für einen der erfolgreichsten europäischen Musiker seines Fachs gehört mit einem oppulenten Orchesteralbum „Love of My Life“ und einer Tour durch die großen Konzerthäuser. ACT-Gründer, Förderer und Freund Siggi Loch machte Nils Landgren ein besonderes Geschenk: Einen Abend in der von ihm kuratierten Reihe „Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic“ im großen Saal der Berliner Philharmonie. Im ersten Teil des Konzertes spielten Mitglieder der ACT Family für „Mr. Red Horn“.

Nach der Pause betrat Nils Landgren unter großem Jubel selbst die Bühne – mit einem exklusiven Programm, dass seinem großen Idol und Weggefährten Joe Sample gewidmet war. Mit dabei: Michael Wollny, Lars Danielsson, Wolfgang Haffner, China Moses und Mitglieder der Berliner Philharmoniker mit Arrangements von Magnus Lindgren.

Es wurde eine Soul-Jazz-Party im Klassiktempel, bei der am Ende der ganze Saal tanzte – jetzt nachzuhören auf „Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic – Nils Landgren 70“

Liner notes by Nils Landgren

Somewhere back in 2025, Siggi Loch called me and invited me to perform in his “Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic” program in connection with my 70th birthday. That’s an invite one does not say no to, although I had to give it some thought before accepting the challenge, at least 10 seconds. I really loved the idea of pairing fine jazz musicians with the outstanding brass players from the Berlin Philharmonic, arranged by multitalented Grammy winner Magnus Lindgren.

My wish was to invite singer China Moses to complete the setup, and to our luck, she gladly accepted the challenge. Siggi and I started to make our wish list, and very soon we decided on songs with a personal connection to me, once being part of Joe Sample’s world. Simply songs we love. Magnus delivered first-class arrangements, and the concert was a mind-blowing experience, with an amazing group of musicians, a fantastic audience, and a record company on their toes, recording the event just in case it turns out good. I believe it did.

Thank you, Siggi, and everyone involved, for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

Love, Nils

Liner notes by Siggi Loch

Nils Landgren is a phenomenon, and European jazz is all the richer for his presence. By performing more than 200 concerts a year, he more than earns the title of “the hardest-working man in the business.” On 15 February 2026, he turned 70.

“Mr Red Horn” has carved out an enduring place in jazz history through his tireless excellence in so many different roles: as bandleader, composer, producer, talent scout, festival director, and also as a highly effective and authentic advocate for the music – who nonetheless always manages to remain approachable.

Ever since his first appearance at JazzBaltica in 1994, German audiences have been taking him and the bands he leads to their hearts; he is now easily one of the most popular jazz musicians in our country. The very first time I heard him perform, I was totally captivated, and signed him as one of the first exclusive artists on the fledgling ACT label. It was through him that Esbjörn Svensson and many other great Swedish artists joined the label, making his influence on its evolution both central and unique.

With over 60 albums to his name, he is also our most successful artist. I am therefore infinitely grateful to Nils Landgren, not only for his contribution to the success of ACT, and thereby to the fulfilment of my childhood dream, but also for the steadfast friendship which binds us. Organizing a special Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic concert with him to mark his 70th birthday was something particularly close to my heart. When I first phoned Nils with the idea to dedicate the evening to his idol – later his collaborator – Joe Sample, I remember there was a moment of silence from the other end of the line.

Then, as Nils so often does, he ended the silence with: ‘If you think it’s a good idea, I’ll do my best.’ And, as always, that’s precisely what he did. There was a buzz throughout the hall before Nils had even played a single note, and by the end of the evening, the entire Philharmonie was on its feet. 

Mission accomplished, we made it happen!

Siggi Loch

Credits
Music by Joe Sample, lyrics by Will Jennings, except 07 and 08 by Nils Landgren
Recorded live on 05 May 2026 at the Berliner Philharmonie
Live sound by Jan Ugand
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Klaus Scheuermann
Curated and produced by Siggi Loch
Cover photo by Steven Haberland, design by Siggi Loch
Photos by Steven Haberland (back cover), Stefan Rabold (booklet)