Håkan Broström

Håkan Broström
Born (1955-04-12) 12 April 1955 (age 69)
Motala, Sweden
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)alto and soprano saxophone player, composer, arranger, conductor
Years active1977 –

Håkan Broström (born 1955, Motala, Sweden) is a renowned Swedish saxophonist, composer, and arranger celebrated for his significant contributions to jazz and contemporary music.

Biography

He started playing the piano at the age of eight. As a teenager, he took up the tenor saxophone and flute, further deepening his passion for music. In the early 1970s, Broström relocated to Malmö to study at the local music college, where he was mentored by the acclaimed saxophonist and arranger Helge Albin. During this period, he explored various saxophones, including alto and soprano, and gained valuable experience performing in blues and jazz genres with different bands. While living in Malmö, he co-founded his first group, Equinox, alongside tenor saxophonist Tomas Franck.[1][2][3]

Over the years, Broström has led several quartets, collaborating with notable musicians such as Bobo Stenson, Esbjörn Svensson, Palle Danielsson and Jacob Karlzon. He also led a quartet featuring American pianist Joey Calderazzo and, on occasion, drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. As a sideman, Broström has worked with prominent artists like Eje Thelin, Ulf Wakenius and Swedish music icon Peps Persson.[4][5]

In addition to his work with small groups and quartets, Broström freelanced with the renowned Norrbotten Big Band based in Luleå from 1993 to 2023. This collaboration provided him opportunities to write big band arrangements for esteemed artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dave Liebman, Chris Potter, Carmen Lundy and Conrad Herwig.[6][7]

During the 2000s and beyond, Håkan Broström expanded his creative pursuits by forming his own big band, the New Places Orchestra. This endeavor showcased his talent for blending traditional and modern jazz elements. He also collaborated with prominent Swedish artists, including Viktoria Tolstoy and Tommy Körberg, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative musician.[8][9][10]

Discography

  • Dark Light, 1991
  • Celestial Nights, 1994
  • Still Dreaming, 1996
  • Do You Remember, 2003
  • New Places, 2005
  • Refraction/featuring Joey Calderazzo, 2010
  • Episodes from the Future and the Past/ with Marilyn Mazur, 2014
  • My Cat Siri, 2021
  • The Copenhagen Session, 2022
  • Cosmic Friends, 2023
  • Forgotten Memories, 2023
  • Moments för lovers, 2023

References

  1. ^ "Hakan Brostrom". allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "Håkan Broström". jazzinfo.org. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  3. ^ "Interview with Håkan Broström։ Jazz will never reach a big audience again։ Video, new CD cover". jazzbluesnews.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  4. ^ "Hakan Brostrom Quartet Featuring Joey Calderazzo- "Refraction" CD & MP3 Download Release". allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  5. ^ "Håkan Broström Quartet featuring Joey Calderazzo: "Refraction"". artofliferecords.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  6. ^ "Saxofonist med skrivarpenna". digjazz.se. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  7. ^ "CD review: Hakan Brostrom, New Places Orchestra – Cosmic Friends 2023: Video, CD cover". jazzblues.eu. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "Håkan Broström New Places Orchestra featuring Viktoria Tolstoy". fasching.se. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  9. ^ "Hakan Brostrom: New Places". allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  10. ^ "HÅKAN BROSTRÖM". jazzmusicarchives.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.