Nublu – The Club in New York

Onstage at Nublu: Ilhan Ersahin, Kenny Wollesen, Juini Booth, Thor Madsen. Photo by Michael Nagle for an article in New York Times by Larry Rohter.

Nublu, located on Avenue C in New York, is owned by saxophonist Ilhan Ersahin. The original club, known as Nublu Classic, was situated at 62 Ave C before relocating to its current spot at 151 Ave C, now called Nublu 151. Thor Madsen became part of the Nublu scene in the late 90s, initially joining Ilhan Ersahin’s band Wax Poetic. The club became a hotspot for innovative bands like Brazilian Girls and Forro In The Dark.

Early Involvement

Thor met Ilhan while working on the first Wax Poetic album at the Temple Of Soul studio. This led to Thor becoming an associate producer and joining Wax Poetic, where he played alongside Norah Jones, Carolyn Leonhart, and Marla Browden, touring the US and Europe.

Nublu’s Opening and Influence

Nublu opened in 2002 and quickly became a key venue for experimental music. Thor performed with various bands, including Real Live Show, Wazzabi, Butch Morris Conducts the Nublu Orchestra, Love Trio with U-Roy, Thor De Force, and the Thor Madsen Group. These collaborations led to extensive touring in the US, Europe, Turkey, and Brazil.

Nublu Records

Thor and Ilhan collaborated on several albums for Nublu Records, including Wonderland, Our Theory (with Erik Truffaz), Temple Of Soul Sessions, and Wax Poetic. In 2009, Nublu Records released Thor’s debut EP Big City Abyss by Thor De Force.

Recent Years

After relocating to Denmark, Thor frequently returns to New York to perform at Nublu. The Thor De Force band has played several times at the new Nublu location on 151 Ave C.

Thor De Force band live at Nublu 151 Ave C. Thor Madsen, Jonathan Maron, Avi Bortnick and Jochen Rueckert. Photo by Ridhima Hegde.
Thor De Force band live at Nublu 151 Ave C. Thor Madsen, Jonathan Maron, Avi Bortnick and Jochen Rueckert. Photo by Ridhima Hegde.

Thor Madsen on Nublu Records

Home / About / Thormulator / Thor De Force / Adventure Trio / CJO / Jazz Explorer Trio / RagaJazz / Live Jive Jungle / Bast’ards / The Song Remains / Abdullah S / Wazzabi / Nublu / Butch Morris / Thor Madsen Group / Real Time / Artistic Research / Studio / Discography / Press / Contact /