Morten Gunnar Larsen is a distinguished Norwegian pianist, renowned for his profound contributions to the revival and interpretation of ragtime, jazz, and early American popular music. Born on October 1, 1955, in Oslo, Norway, Larsen embarked on a musical journey that has spanned several decades, bringing the intricate textures and lively rhythms of early 20th-century American music to audiences worldwide. His career took a significant leap forward after he founded the Oslo Ragtime Orchestra in the 1970s, a period that witnessed a global resurgence of interest in ragtime music.

Throughout his prodigious career, Larsen has distinguished himself as a master interpreter of the works of legendary composers such as Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, and Eubie Blake, among others. His discography, which includes titles like "Sorgenfri," "Creole Connections," and "Fingerbreaker: Classics Of Ragtime And Early Jazz Piano," showcases a meticulous exploration of ragtime and early jazz piano music, earning him international acclaim. Larsen's ability to bridge the gap between classically-influenced ragtime and the spirited essence of early jazz is underscored by his lyrical playing style and historical understanding of the genre. Not only has Morten Gunnar Larsen performed at prestigious venues around the globe, but he's also been an essential figure in preserving the legacy of ragtime and early jazz, ensuring its continued appreciation by new generations of listeners.

Genres

Norwegian Jazz

Ragtime

Latest Release

Sorgenfri

Morten Gunnar Larsen

Album - 17 Tracks - Released September 13, 2016