The Viking Jazz Band

Papa Bue's Viking Jazz Band is a traditional Danish jazz band founded in Copenhagen in 1956 by trombonist Arne "Papa Bue" Jensen. Jensen, a central figure in the European revivalist movement. A product of the Dixieland jazz scene, the band has forged a reputation for drawing faithful inspiration from the New Orleans style, while adding a warmth and lyricism typical of Scandinavian sensibilities. The nickname "Viking Jazz Band" comes from a humorous remark by clarinettist George Lewis, who was impressed by the musicians' imposing stature and joviality during a joint tour. The nickname quickly became emblematic of their energetic, accessible style. The band enjoyed considerable success in Europe in the 1960s, notably with the instrumental track "Schlafe, mein Prinzchen", which went gold in Germany. Their popularity led them to collaborate with such American jazz greats as Champion Jack Dupree, Wild Bill Davis and even Ben Webster, while retaining a sound identity strongly rooted in classic swing and the joy of playing. Papa Bue and his band have toured all over the world, embodying a form of jazz that is festive, direct and warm, and which has won over a wide audience far beyond the circles of the initiated. After more than fifty years of activity and numerous albums, the band gradually faded away after Papa Bue's death on November 2, 2011 at the age of 81, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the European jazz landscape.

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