‎Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen

Acoustic Bass icon Acoustic Bass

April 19, 2005 (Age 58) died

May 27, 1946 Birthday

Osted, Zealand, Denmark Birthplace

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Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, often referred to by his initials NHØP, was a Danish bassist renowned for his technical mastery and impeccable sense of time. His exceptional talent made him a favored accompanist for many of jazz’s leading figures, most notably pianist Oscar Peterson. By his teenage years, he had already established himself as a prominent bassist in Copenhagen, performing with legends such as Dexter Gordon and Bill Evans. In 1973, Pedersen first played with Oscar Peterson, marking the beginning of a decades-long collaboration. A highly sought-after sideman, NHØP appears on more than 400 recordings. He also recorded frequently as a bandleader, often collaborating with pianist Kenny Drew and other Europe-based musicians. Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen passed away suddenly in 2005 at the age of 58 due to heart failure.

Trivia

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen was known for his distinctive bass picking technique which used 3 fingers, allowing him to play fast bass lines. Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen remained deeply connected to his Danish roots, often incorporating traditional Danish folk melodies into his jazz performances and recordings. At 17 Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen was invited to join Count Basie's Orchestra, but had to turn down the gig because he was too young to get a work permit in the USA.

Early Life

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen was born on May 27, 1946, in Osted, near Roskilde, Denmark, the son of a church organist. His early exposure to music came through the piano, which he studied as a child, but by age 13 he had switched to the double bass. Demonstrating prodigious talent, he began performing professionally at 14 with the group Jazzkvintet 60. By 15, he was a regular at Copenhagen’s Jazzhus Montmartre, where he gained invaluable experience accompanying top American jazz musicians passing through Denmark, including Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and Bill Evans.