Jon Christensen – one of the most influential Norwegian jazz musicians of all time, turned 70 in March and it’s now time to celebrate him at National Jazz Scene!

Jon himself has selected the musicians to play with him at the anniversary concert in Oslo. Daughter Emilie Stoesen Christensen is the vocalist and has composed much of the material we will hear . The band also comprises of some musicians Jon has been playing with from the mid 60’s to today. Bassist Arild Andersen has a very long history with Jon, Nils Petter Molvaer started their collaboration through Masqualero 1980s , while pianist Morten Qvenild is the newby to this company .

From the mid- 1960s , a revolution took place in Norwegian jazz. A number of new musicians asserted themselves for jazz lovers the worldwide, and behind the drums for names such as Karin Krog , Jan Garbarek , Arild Andersen and Terje Rypdal sat Jon Christensen, contributing greatly to this success . Jon played with all the major international stars who came to Norway , including Sonny Rollins , Stan Getz and Dexter Gordon. Through Jan Garbarek Quartet, Jon came in contact with Manfred Eicher and the record company ECM, where he has contributed over sixty releases. Jon has toured the world with Jan Garbarek , Keith Jarrett , Terje Rypdal , Charles Lloyd, Masqualero and Bobo Stenson. The whole time he has distinguished himself as one of modern jazz’s most important drummers .

Come to Victoria to celebrate one of our greatest jazz musicians !

Jon Christensen – drums , Emilie Stoesen Christensen – vocals , Arild Andersen – bass, Harald Lassen – saxophone, Morten Qvenild – piano

Photo: Terje Mosnes