Christer Bothen

Christer Bothén is a Swedish composer, musician, and artist born in 1941 in Gothenburg and based in Stockholm. He is known for his mastery of bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, donso n’goni, and guimbri. Bothén spent time in Mali and Morocco in the 1970s studying traditional hunter’s music and Gnawa music with renowned masters, which deeply influenced his sound. From 1970 onward, he collaborated with jazz legend Don Cherry, even teaching Cherry the donso n’goni. In 1980, he founded the band Bolon Bata, which evolved into Bolon X, blending ethnic traditions with jazz. Since the 1990s, Bothén has led his own groups and worked with notable artists like Mats Gustafsson, Sara Lundén, and Goran Kajfeš.

His work spans avant-garde jazz and improvisation, exploring the spiritual and sonic possibilities of his instruments. Bothén is celebrated for his innovative use of extended techniques and his ability to create immersive, meditative soundscapes. Albums like *L'INVISIBLE* showcase his highly personal approach to composition and improvisation, often weaving delicate, layered textures that invite deep listening. His long career reflects a commitment to musical exploration rooted in both African traditions and experimental jazz.