Pianist Lars Sjösten (photo: Kurt Waller) (b. 1941), who is also a prolific composer, has been at the forefront of Swedish jazz for 35 years, working and recording with numerous American jazz soloists and leading his own bands, from trios to octets. In his own personal way Sjösten has continued along the musical path mapped out by Lars Gullin, with whom he often collaborated. Gullin’s son Peter (1959-2003) took up the baritone saxophone, his late father’s instrument, but also played other saxophones and was a composer and soloist in his own right writing music for a variety of ensembles, including chamber groups, choirs, symphony orchestras, solo piano and big band. One of the first jazz musicians in Sweden to derive inspiration from India and the Orient was pianist Jan Wallgren (1935-96), who played “raga-based” jazz in the 1960s. Later on Wallgren composed chamber music, solo pieces, songs and even an opera, while still keeping up his jazz activities. He was an inspiration and mentor to many, an artist who refused to accept stylistic boundaries.  Lars Sjösten Octet featuring Lee Konitz: Peter of April (1983) from 'Dedicated to Lee' [Dragon DRCD 250] American bassist Red Mitchell (picture) (1927-92), who lived in Stockholm from 1968, played a significant role on the Swedish jazz scene, fronting groups of his own and often working with American jazz soloists on their visits to Europe. From the start Mitchell collaborated with many leading Swedish soloists: trumpeter Bosse Broberg (b. 1937) and tenor saxophonist Nils Sandström (b. 1942), both of whom belonged to the 1960s generation, played in his group Communication in the 1970s, and later on Mitchell also collaborated with younger players, in particular saxophonist Joakim Milder (b. 1965), who stands out as one of the strongest and most independent voices in Swedish jazz. Milder’s expressive resources range from chamber music to pop. As a soloist on tenor and soprano sax his playing is sparse, contemplative and immediately recognisable.  Red Mitchell/Communication: Red blew (1976) from 'Blues for a crushed soul' [Sonet SNTF-762] Milder is one of many young players who began their careers in the band led by drummer Fredrik Norén (photo: Lasse Fagerberg) (b. 1941). Since 1978 Norén has fronted an ever-changing, hard bop-based quintet that has included several young musicians who have later come to the fore as leading exponents of jazz. One is tenor saxophonist Tomas Franck (b. 1958), who has lived in Copenhagen for many years and is a featured soloist in the Danish Radio Big Band.  Fredrik Norén Band: To Mr. J (1990) from 'To Mr. J' [Sonet SNTCD-1037]

Modern mainstream (2 of 3)
Lars Westin: Jazz in Sweden - an overview