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Ketil Bjørnstad / David Darling

Musicians

David Darling cello
Ketil Bjørnstad piano

Ketil Bjørnstad

Born in Oslo in 1952, Ketil Bjørnstad has been a ubiquitous figure in the arts in his native Norway, recognised not only as an exceptionally well-rounded musician (pianist, composer, improviser, and interpreter) but also as a writer.

He has published many books, primary novels (including fictionalised biographies addressing the fates of composer Edvard Grieg) but also collections of poetry and books and essays.

To the extent it is possible to give a satisfactory description of what Ketil Bjørnstad "really is", the keywords are such as "energetic", "searching" and "disciplined". These terms not only help to explain Ketil Bjørnstad as an author and musician: they also describe his other roles as a critic, participant in topical debate and socially involved individual.

Ketil Bjørnstad gradually began working in Norwegian jazz musicians during a period of increasing activity on the "Norwegian Jazzscene". In 73, he cut his first record, the melodious quartet album "Åpning" (opening), a collection of his own compositions performed by himself, guitarist Jon Eberson, bass player Arild Andersen and drummer Jon Christensen. The previous year, Bjørnstad had made his debut as an author with a collection of poems "Alene Ut" (alone out). For the next twenty years Ketil Bjørnstad´s listeners and readers were guaranteed a constant supply of music, records, novels, documentaries and concerts. Of his records the album "Leve Patagonia" (Long Live Patagonia) in 79 about Hans Jæger and the wild, bohemian life of artist and Christiania at the end of the last century. The rock opera "Trettiårskrigen" (The Thirty Years war, 81) and two collections of music to texts of Knut Hamsun and Harry Maartinson, booth winners of the Nobel's Prize for Literature, are particularly worthily of note. His production also includes a collection of tunes to poems by the English poet John Donne, two records written for Swedish singer Lill Lindfors, five solo piano records, and "Water Stories" where Bjørnstad once more turns to the quartet format. This time the quartet compromises Christensen/Hillestad on drums, Kjellemyr on bass and another of Norway's internationally renowned musicians, Terje Rypdal on guitar. His second record for ECM was "the Sea" that included David Darling on cello, Terje Rypdal on guitar, Jon Christensen on drums and Bjørnstad on piano.

For Kirkelig Kultur Verksted he has realised four albums: "Messe for en såret jord" with lyrics by Erik Hillestad. Musicians are Knut Reiersrud and Nils Vinjor (guitar), Lars Tomter (viola), Reidar Skår (keyboards), Stan Poplin (bass) and Per Hillestad (drums). "For Den Som Elsker" with lyrics by Sten Mehren, musicians are Frøidis Armand (voice), Frode Alnes and Nipe Nyren (guitars), Audun Erlien (bass), Per Hillestad (drums) and Bjørnstad (keyboards). "Salomos Høyssang" with Lill Lindfors and Tommy Nilsson (vocals), Frode Alnes (guitar), Bjørn Kjellemyr (bass), Rune Arnesen (drums), Bjørnstad (keyboards), and a choir conducted by Grete Helgerød. "Haugtussa" with lyrics by Arne Garborg and Lynni Treekrem (vocal), Anbjørg Lien (fiddle), Tone Hulbækmo (harp), Hans F. Jacobsen (flutes and bagpipe), Arild Andersen (bass), Børge P. Øverleir (guitar), Terje Isungset (percussion), Per Hillestad (drums), and Bjørnstad (keyboards and piano).

David Darling

Information is missing.

Links

Ketil Bjørnstad at ECM