New Jungle Orchestra was formed in 1980 by the composer and guitarist Pierre Dørge. The name was mainly inspired by the legendary, growling ”jungle” sound of the early Duke Ellington Orchestra, some of whose compositions they have appropriately covered. Other major jazz influences to be heard are Charles Mingus’ experiments combining improvisations and large-scale forms with the mobility of a group sized somewhere in between a traditional combo and a big band; and the Gil Evans flux of forceful anarchy and carefully layered, complex structures. The extraordinary strong and entertaining live presence of the NJO and its ability to combine sophisticated with a no-nonsense dance band approach, as well a wonderful sense of humour, has made it one of the great success stories on the contemporary Danish music scene. However, despite its unique position om the Danish scene, the basic apporach of the NJO has always been very much a global one. The orchestra has toured extensively in most parts of the world - besides Europe and North America in the Far East, Central Asia, Africa, South America, and China - establishing a quite literally worldwide cult following, and literally bringing it all back home; for the non-Western inspiration in their music is as obvious as their touring schedule is intense. You can hear it in the notes, scales, rhythms, sounds - and not least in their huge collection of exotic instruments. Welcome to the jungle …
www: New Jungle Orchestra