Lars Gullin was a prominent Swedish baritone saxophonist, renowned for his contributions to European jazz during the 1950s and beyond. Born on May 4, 1928, in Sanda, Gotland, Sweden, Gullin's saxophone style was deeply influenced by the cool jazz movement, emerging as one of the foremost European proponents of the genre. His lyrical approach and melodic sensibility were unique, exuding a soft and introspective quality that set him apart from his contemporaries.

Gullin’s career was marked by both exceptional musical output and personal struggles, the latter often exacerbated by battles with addiction. Despite these challenges, his musicianship garnered widespread acclaim, and he collaborated with a plethora of prestigious jazz musicians throughout his career. His compositions, which often boasted a distinctive Nordic melancholic tint, further distinguished his voice in the jazz landscape. Classic recordings such as "Silhouette" and "Night In Tunisia" demonstrate his ingenious approach to standard material, while "The Liquid Moves of Lars Gullin" showcases original works that epitomize his introspective creativity. Posthumously, his work continues to be celebrated and revisited, as heard in tribute albums like "Gunnar Bergsten & Peter Nordahl play Lars Gullin," affirming his enduring influence on jazz music. Gullin passed away on May 17, 1976, but his legacy as a pioneering force in European jazz lives on.

Genres

Jazz Saxophone

Swedish Jazz

Latest Release

Silhouette (Remastered)

Lars Gullin

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released November 12, 2022