Jan Garbarek is a renowned Norwegian saxophonist and a leading figure in the world of jazz and contemporary music. Born on March 4, 1947, in Mysen, Norway, Garbarek's distinctive sound and approach to improvisation have made him a unique voice within jazz, often blending elements of Scandinavian folk music with jazz and other ethnic music traditions. He emerged on the European jazz scene in the late 1960s, drawing attention with his soulful tone and the melodic nature of his improvisations.

Garbarek's career spans several decades and includes collaborations with an array of esteemed musicians, such as Keith Jarrett, with whom he recorded the influential albums "Belonging," "My Song," and "Nude Ants" as part of Jarrett's European Quartet. His association with the ECM record label has been highly productive, leading to the creation of numerous acclaimed albums. One of his most notable ventures was "Officium," a collaboration with the British vocal ensemble The Hilliard Ensemble, which blurred the lines between early music and modern improvisation. The follow-up, "Officium Novum," as well as his works "In Praise Of Dreams" and "Mansurian: Monodia," showcase his continued exploration of diverse musical landscapes. His live recordings, such as "Remember Me, My Dear" and "Concert In Athens," capture the captivating energy of his live performances. Garbarek's ability to combine the traditional with the experimental has secured him a place as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

Genres

Classical Saxophone

Ecm-style Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Jazz Saxophone

Norwegian Jazz

Related Artists

Keith Jarrett

Eberhard Weber

Pat Metheny

Ralph Towner

Arild Andersen

Charles Lloyd

John Surman

Nils Petter Molvær

Ennio Morricone

Terje Rypdal

Herbie Hancock

András Schiff

Latest Release

Remember Me, My Dear - Live in Bellinzona / 2014

Jan Garbarek•

The Hilliard Ensemble

Album - 14 Tracks - Released October 18, 2019