Bévort 3: A Cup of Joe
23rd January 2026
Bévort 3: A Cup of Joe (January 23rd, 2026)
"Pernille Bévort displays all her customary rhythmic verve and melodic invention on a stirring homage to Joe Henderson that swings hard and simmers beautifully" Ian Patterson, All About Jazz.
The Danish saxophone trio Bévort 3 represents the essence of modern jazz, where tradition and innovation meet in a vibrant musical universe. The trio is led by Pernille Bévort, an award-winning saxophonist and composer with a colorful and original voice in jazz. The trio also includes the outstanding musicians Morten Ankarfeldt on bass and Espen Laub von Lillienskjold on drums. Together, they create a soundscape that exudes personality, dynamism, and creativity. Highly responsive, dynamic and interactive, the absence of a harmony instrument puts Bévort’s imaginative saxophone playing as well as the trio’s complex musical conversations in the spotlight. The intimate world of organic instrumental textures provides an aptly personal vessel through which the composer’s stories are told.
With the release of their new album, A Cup of Joe, the trio Bévort 3 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Joe Henderson, one of jazz's central figures. Here, Pernille Bévort draws inspiration from Henderson's universe and compositions, while the music clearly bears her own personal signature. The album will be released in January 2026 and promises a musical experience full of surprises, energy, and presence.
In connection with the release, two prominent jazz connoisseurs have already shared their brief thoughts on the album "This music is so well played that it gives surprises the whole way through. I listened to the entire repertoire nonstop and was with the flow all the way. Pernille has control over her art form. She knows where she is and where she is headed. That is how I hear Joe Henderson’s work. She has really made an album in which I can hear Joe, but through her own personal aesthetic. Make no mistake - this is a real band, a working unit. And this new recording highlights the unity they have” Bob Rockwell (formerly known from Thad Jones/Mel Lewis etc.)
Within the last five years Bévort 3 has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “On Fire” (2021), “Live 2020-2021” (2022) and “Northbound” (2024). These releases have received five-star reviews and several nominations at the Danish Music Awards Jazz. Pernille and her trio Bévort 3 were awarded a grant as 'Band of the Year' (Danish Music Awards Jazz dec. 2022). Sept. 4th, 2024, Pernille received an honorary award from the composer association 'Autor' for her creative compositional work in jazz over the years.
The group's music is characterized by a colorful and imaginative blend of Nordic sounds, bluesy grooves and lively communication, where the sound of the individual instruments and the musicians' expressions blend into a cohesive, dynamic whole. With music that embraces both tradition and innovation, and with a fascinating interplay, Bévort 3 stands as a very exciting jazz trio in the Nordic region.
Pernille Bévort: tenor saxophone/band leader and all compositions Morten Ankarfeldt: double bass Espen Laub von Lillienskjold: drums All tracks recorded by Thomas Vang at The Village Recording, Copenhagen April 29th 2025, except Ballad for Dreamers, recorded at Soundscape Studios by Louise Nipper May 2023. Mixed May and July 2025 by Louise Nipper and Pernille Bévort. Mastered Aug. 2025 by David Elberling. Graphic design by Niklas Antonson – Notation
This album was released with support from Danish Conductors Association, Koda’s Cultural Funds and Danish Arts Foundation.