Tuesday, October 29, 2024

A Night to Remember: Cookin' at the O' with Danish Jazz Sensation Sinne Eeg

Tucked away on the North edge of Carlton, the Oldenburg House offers a truly intimate and unforgettable jazz experience. On select evenings, the historic home transforms into a jazz lover's haven with its signature event series, "Cookin' at the O'"


These past two weekends the Oldenburg House welcomed Sinne Eeg, a Danish jazz vocalist whose voice carries a warmth and sophistication that can only be described as mesmerizing. Eeg’s performance perfectly captured the essence of the evening, drawing in the audience with her velvety tones and effortless range. Whether she was delivering a soulful ballad or an up-tempo swing, her passion for jazz radiated through every note.


The evening wasn’t just about the music, though. Chef Paul Sapyta* crafted a meal that was as much an experience as the jazz itself. Each course seemed to flow in harmony with the music, offering a feast for the senses. The combination of expertly prepared dishes and Eeg’s stunning vocals made for a perfect night—one where you could sit back, relax, and let the world outside fade away.


Of course nothing brings out the best in a singer like a world class backup band. This past Saturday Billy Peterson was back on bass, young Juilliard virtuoso Will Kjeer on piano and veteran Glenn Swanson on drums.


The historic Oldenburg House is Emily Fuerste and Glenn Swanson's gift to the community, playing host to an assortment of music and arts events. It's also a Bed and Breakfast. Their motto, "Find Your Nature," says much about this hidden pocket of paradise that abutts Jay Cooke State Park in the back and is walking distance to Thompson Dam.



If you haven’t had the chance to attend Cookin' at the O', it’s the kind of event that leaves a lasting impression. The Oldenburg House isn’t just a venue; it’s a place where music, food, and atmosphere come together to create something magical. And if you’re lucky enough to catch an artist like Sinne Eeg, well, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.


"Nothing ever seems to glow

Like the beauty of sadness"
--Sinne Eeg


According to Wikipedia, Eeg has won the Danish Music Awards prize in the category Best Danish Vocal Jazz Album of the Year four times: in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2015, for her albums Waiting for Dawn, Don't Be So Blue, Face the Music, and Eeg - Fonnesbæk. She also received the Ben Webster Prize in 2014. The Webster Foundation describes her as "a true jazz singer, who both shows sensitivity, improvisational skills, maturity, broad range and timing in her singing."


Here's another laudatory salute: The Danish songstress is versatile, equally comfortable fronting big orchestras in concert halls as well as smaller ensembles in intimate jazz clubs. Everywhere she sings – Tokyo, Copenhagen, Los Angeles or Madrid – audiences are mesmerized by her incandescent phrasing and scatting, all with natural, perfect pitch.  After putting in her time for years on the road, performing at small clubs and cafes, Sinne won her first Danish Music Award for her album “Waiting For Dawn” in 2007.

A brief summary of Saturday's set list. What a night. 

Opening Set
    (lyrics by Sinne Eeg)
Bridges    (Brazilian song)
Button Up for Me    (Gershwin Bros.)
The Barista
Walt Fidetti tune by Bill Evans, intimate upscale.
Cry Me A River (A bitter love song)
I Am An Evil Girl

After Dinner Second Set
James Bond music
    From Russia wit Love
    You Only Live Twice
Waiting for Danny
Better Than Anything. (blues waltz)
Samba
    A song about community for all, whoever you on.
    Turn your radio on.
Song created by Will, "All Is Sunset"
    Erik Satie vibe
I'm Talking To Myself    (Danish song)

Related Links

Cookin' @ the O -- My Visit with Pippi Ardennia


*Paul Sapyta is chef for the Cloquet forestry center and runs a catering business and food truck, Room at the Table, from there. 

No comments:

Popular Posts