Øien was educated at the "Nord-Norsk Musikkonservatorium" (1987–91), where he studied the music of Edvard Grieg while he played in bands such as "Stett", "Tutu" and "Corny Horns". Øien participated in the NRK series "Ung norsk jazz" with a trio comprising Trond Sverre Hansen (drums) and Konrad Kaspersen (bass). This led to the formation of a jazz band "Jazz i Nord" from Troms, consisting of country musicians, where the trombonist Øystein B. Blix also contributed. This partnership is evidence on the record Song, Fall Soft (1995) with the vocalist Marit Sandvik.
Øien Short stories (2004) with his own trio Jørn Øien Trio in Oslo, comprising Terje Gewelt (bass) and Roger Johansen (drums). Former members were Paal Nilssen-Love (drums) and Kåre Garnes (bass). The trio now with Per Zanussi (bass) and Torstein Lofthus (drums) released the album Digging in the Dark (2010).[3] In 2011 Erling Wiclund of NRK highlighted him as "one original and brilliant arrangerer in the upper world class".[4]
At Vossajazz 2014, he appeared within Ivar Kolve's Polyostinat experience. Here he performed with an elite team of Norwegian musicians, including Kåre Kolve, Ellen Andrea Wang and last but not the least Jarle Vespestad. They delivered an indulgent poly rhythmic and poly harmonic treat for the discerning ear.[5]
Works
Commission for the "Festival of Northern Norway" (1998)
Steam Loco, commission for the "Vinterfestuka" in Narvik (2000)