Jacob Karlzon

Presenting Swedish pianist Jacob Karlzon, ACT impressively demonstrates that even though there are quite a few piano trios around, there is still room for innovation when playing in the classical formation of piano, double bass and drums.  On his ACT debut "More", Karlzon defies every convention of the genre. He merges pop and rock elements with the typical attributes of Scandinavian jazz, such as inspirational space, sweet melancholy and clear, catchy melodies – and all this with a dynamic range from fragile chamber music to heavy metal. The fact that Karlzon is one of the technically most accomplished and virtuous jazz pianists today, almost has to take a back seat. He is far more interested in the song itself, its specific mood and energy and the way the music may make its way into the hearts of the audience.  The accepted definition of jazz has become far too narrow for Karlzon. His compositions have the effect of good pop songs. Next to the acoustic and electronic piano sounds there has always been space for a lot of synthesiser – but never as distinctively as on "More". Karlzon became known as a sideman of singer Victoria Tolstoy and has been a permanent member of her band since her 2005 album "My Swedish Heart". He also featured on her last recording "Letters to Herbie" – the album was a tribute to pianist Herbie Hancock.  Karlzon himself already released his first album as a band leader in 1992. "More" is his sixth album. He also participated in the production of around 40 more recordings. Alongside his collaboration with Viktoria Tolstoy he played with Billy Cobham, Kenny Wheeler, Tim Hagans, Jeff Ballard, Cæcilie Norby, Nils Landgren and many more. In the course of his career Karlzon has received many distinguished awards. In 1997 he was awarded the "Jazz in Sweden Award" and considered the newcomer of the year by Swedish radio. In 2010 he received the renowned French jazz award "Django d'Or".