Debuting at the age of 18 he was commissioned as a soloist together with the Danish Radio Big Band, led by Palle Mikkelborg, in a work written by pianist Thomas Clausen. John was one of the first "jazz" artists to receive the prestigious Jacob Gades Grant in 1977, (grant is reserved for classical artists) and Danish jazz-reviewer Boris Rabinowitsch called him quote: “a discovery of a Niels Henning Ørsted Pedersen’s dimension”. He has worked with numerous of groups including: Creme Fraiche Big Band (since reformed), Palle Mikkelborg, Thomas Clausen, Debbie Cameron, Ben Besiakov, Bo Stief, Morten Grønvad, South Indian violinists Ganesh & Kumaresh, and Somalian Real World recording artist Mariam Mursal. As a composer he has, among other things, written an extended work for the Danish Radio Big Band, which was released on Olufsen Records (John Sund & The Danish Radio Big Band: “A Fusion Symphony”), where he also is featured as the main soloist. Moreover his discography includes: “Special Venture” – self titled (Intermusic 1999), “John Sund & Acoustic Sense – New Gems” (Cope Records 2003), and as co-leader; “World On A String” – self titled (Cope Records 2004)
Ayi Solomon (percussion)
Ayi Solomon arrives from Ghana to Denmark in 1982 in connection with an extended tour, and the inspiration of this new environment, with all its possibilities, makes him stay behind and work with musicians in Copenhagen. With his extraordinary percussion playing he quickly establishes himself, joining ensembles such as Armadu Jarr, Classic Vibes and Continental Heat. Eventually over the years Solomon joins the NEW JUNGLE ORCHESTRA, which he has been a member of now, for more than 10 years. He moreover works with artists such as Moussa Diallo, Palle Mikkelborg, Dalia Faitelson’s Global Sound in 2001, with Jerry Begonzi, Randy Brecker and Andy Nussbaum. John Sund’s Acoustic Sense, with Lelo Nika and John Ehde, Simon Spang Hansen, John Tchicai, and many more. Solomon has participated on numerous records.
Morten Ilsøe is educated as a theatre-musician and performance artist at the Greenlandic theatre “Tukak” in Denmark. However he started out as a teenager playing traditional jazz and swing at the local jazz clubs at the small Danish island Bornholm, and later on when moving to Copenhagen, he also plays with several rock bands. In 1991 Morten becomes a member of “John Tchicai’s Transeuropean Orchestra”. Moreover he has worked as a travelling musician in South Africa (1993), where he was a part of the N.A.P.A.C. (Natal Performing Arts Council). Music studies in St. Petersburg follows and concurrently in that period he also works with the experimental Hip-Hop orchestra “Sort Session”. Moreover Morten works with the folk/fusion band Edda.
Yadam Gonzalez (bass)
Yadam has a classical education, but musically he was mostly nurtured in the streets in Cuba, where he hung out and played with local musicians. He has mostly been working in the Latin-American countries, but with his 5 year resident of Denmark (1996-2001) he started for the first time working outside of Cuba/Spain. His has played and recorded both as a musician, composer and producer with artists such as: Emiliano Salvador, , Chano Dominguez, Bobby Carcases, Carlos Varela, Andi Palacios, Outlandish (DK) and Toni Esposito. Has moreover composed music for theatre, Art Exhibitions and dance-companies (among others Danza Abierta – Cuba). Wins first prize for ‘best music’ in the video-festival “Encuentro Nacional de Video” ’96.
Jon Meinild (vibraphone and keyboard)
Jon Meinild is classical educated at the music conservatorium (Nordjysk) in Denmark and later on at the Rhythmic Conservatorium in Copenhagen, as a percussionist/vibraphonist. He has performed and recorded with Randers Byorkester and Aalborg Symfoniorkester. In ‘95 he starts the improvisation/cross-over trio “Håndtag” and they performs at jazz festivals and clubs all over Denmark. He has also worked together with DJ’s in connection with Club Lust/Café Rust in Copenhagen. He moreover has his own band Jogujo with among others trumpeter Gunnar Halle.
In 1995 John experiences a musical encounter with the Ghanaian percussionist Ayi Solomon, and their mutual musical inspiration leads to forming the band Special Venture, which became one of the hottest Danish fusion bands in that period
In January 1999 they releases their debut CD “Special Venture”, which receives rave reviews in all leading papers/magazines. The other band members are bassist Thomas Fog and drummer Morten Ilsøe. Moreover, pianist Ben Besiakov is joining the band, on and off, as a guest musician during concert performances, and his presence is also embossed on two of the CD tracks.
In the summer of 1999, changes are coming to the band: the Cuban “wonder” bassist Yadam Gonzalez replaces Thomas, who feels the need to go in a different direction, and moreover the young talented vibraphonist, Jon Meinild, is joining the band. This new formation naturally brings a new sound and musical direction into the band.
By the end of 1999, Special Venture participates in the broadcast series “The Jazz Century”, where they play live in the air before an invited audience. The following year they have the pleasure of becoming the centre for a studio recording in the Danish Radio Studio 3, this recording is being made with the possibility of a CD release in mind. Everything turns out well and in 2001 the music is mixed for release. In the midst of it all Yadam receives an offer, which he can’t refuse, and so with a newly born child and his Danish wife, he moves to Spain (Tenerife), where he pursues a solo carrier. Jon Meinild is being adopted into the Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen and decides to dedicate himself to his studies on a full time basis. As a result the band is put on hold for an indefinite period of time.
But now, as a happy latecomer, their second CD outlet is finally here. John bought all the rights to the music from the Danish Radio, and "Special Venture - Twice", has now been released on the label "Gateway Music". Better late than never one could add, but luckily all band members feel that the music still sounds crisp and fresh. There have also been talked about a reunion tour in the nearer future – everybody seems to be keen on the idea - we’ll see what happens folks!
Hej! Hvis du har lyst og tid, så har vi lavet vores myspace side helt om i forbindelse med 4 nye numre der er uploadede. Kom endelig ind giv det et lyt i de nye omgivelser! Mvh. Lisa
Hi there! Please visit our site and listen to 4 completely new songs!
thank you! Canzoni a San Lazzaro La canzone. Un universo di sensibilità che segna l’evoluzione civile del nostro tempo. Edmondo Berselli lo spiega benissimo nel suo modo di “leggere” il genere, i suoi stereotipi, ma anche le sue sorprendenti attinenze con una società in trasformazione. Bene ha fatto l’assessore Marco Pondrelli ad inaugurare un’attenzione del Comune di San Lazzaro di savena in questa direzione, con questa nuova rassegna Und so Writer, senza snobismi. infatti, come sappiamo, sono solo canzonette, microcosmi di pochi minuti di sonorità e parole, che, tuttavia, “dicono” qualcosa che ci riguarda, nel gioco delle identità composite di una comunità complessa come quella attuale. E bene ha fatto a coinvolgere nella direzione artistica Marco Coppi e Daniele Faraotti. ancora una volta l’ITC Teatro sarà palcoscenico di eventi insieme alle occasioni di confronto previste nella Mediateca. San Lazzaro di Savena si conferma realtà vivace, con una politica culturale sensibile, rivolta anche al mondo dei giovani e tesa a sondare quel che cresce ai margini di ciò che appare, promuovendone la conoscenza, come è giusto, perché brilli, se c’è, qualcosa di significativo, qualcosa di valido, qualcosa di nuovo. Marco Macciantelli (sindaco di San Lazzaro di Savena)
Kære Special Venture! Vi vil hermed invitere til koncert med et voldsomt udvidet Afenginn line-up: 14 mand på scenen, guitars, brass, mandekor og en masse andet, det bliver stort! Håber vi ses :) kh, Afenginn
Hi Special Venture, thanks for the request! We would love to get your CD, if you are interested in getting promoted in our world music show. please contact for details!
Messechina Music Ltd. P.O.Box 49 1700 Sofia Bulgaria
Online Now!
