Steinar Raknes

Steinar Raknes is a versatile Norwegian jazz bassist, composer, and vocalist who’s become a key figure in Scandinavia’s creative music scene. Known for his warm double bass tones and genre-blurring approach, he effortlessly mixes jazz with Nordic folk traditions, Latin rhythms, and experimental textures. Tracks like "Mi Abuela Bailó La Zamba" showcase his knack for blending Argentine zamba with jazz improvisation, while pieces such as "Heiaslått" nod to Norwegian folk roots. His recent releases, including the atmospheric "Tomgods Og Syriner" and intimate "Stillhouse Live", highlight his collaborative spirit and love for live, spontaneous energy.

Beyond his solo work, Raknes is a sought-after collaborator, appearing on over 100 albums with Nordic jazz heavyweights like Mathias Eick and Helge Lien. His playful curiosity shines through projects like "Due og Drone", where he layers bass drones with melodic folk-inspired motifs. Whether reimagining Dylan’s "Not Dark Yet" with haunting Nordic-jazz melancholy or crafting original storytelling through pieces like "Two Sisters Tale", Raknes keeps pushing acoustic bass into exciting new territories while staying grounded in jazz tradition.

Genres

Experimental

Ambient

Folk

Jazz

Contemporary Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Latin Jazz

Vocal Jazz

Nordic Folk

Samba-jazz

Related Artists

Arve Henriksen

Joni Mitchell

Trevor Hall

Unni Wilhelmsen

Nick Drake

Richard Thompson

Leo Kottke

John Fahey

Nils Petter Molvær

Andy McKee

Mathias Eick

Tore Brunborg

Latest Release

Tomgods Og Syriner

Steinar Raknes

Single - Released February 21, 2025