Harri Sjöström
Encyclopedia
Harri Sjöström is a saxophonist who specializes in the soprano saxophone
.
with Harry Mann with Leo Wright
and Steve Lacy. He also studied photography and film at the Lone Mountain College in San Francisco Art Institute from 1974 - 1978. He attended the special class for improvisation
at the L.M.C. led by trombonist Johannes Mager.
After leaving the U.S., Harri moved to Vienna
, Austria
, which became his doorway to the European improvised music scene. Harri formed his first improvising groups and organised numerous projects in Finland
and elsewhere. Brought many of the most notable innovators on the international improvisation
scene to Finland
. One of his early projects included a tour with Derek Bailey's "Company" which was their first in Finland
. Harri moved to Berlin
in 1985.
In 1990, Harri met Cecil Taylor
in Berlin
and has been involved in a large number of projects with the legendary pianist and composer since.
Harri founded the international "QUINTET MODERNE" and co-founded "THE PLAYER IS" trio with Teppo Hauta-Aho
and Philipp Wachsmann. There's also the Bernhard Arndt / Harri Sjöström duo, which goes back to 1986. His newly formed group is called "THREE METER DOG" with, among others, drummer and percussionist Tony Buck
and pianist
Bernhard Arndt. The very latest formation "Wait" is formed in 2005.
Harri also performs solo and is involved with making film-music.
Sjöström has recorded and performed with many musicians, including Cecil Taylor
, Evan Parker
, Paul Lovens
, Tristan Honsinger
and Teppo Hauta-Aho
.
Soprano saxophone
The soprano saxophone is a variety of the saxophone, a woodwind instrument, invented in 1840. The soprano is the third smallest member of the saxophone family, which consists of the soprillo, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass and tubax.A transposing instrument pitched in...
.
Life and career
Harri studied saxophoneSaxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
with Harry Mann with Leo Wright
Leo Wright
Leo Wright was an American jazz musician who played alto saxophone, flute and clarinet...
and Steve Lacy. He also studied photography and film at the Lone Mountain College in San Francisco Art Institute from 1974 - 1978. He attended the special class for improvisation
Improvisation
Improvisation is the practice of acting, singing, talking and reacting, of making and creating, in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one's immediate environment and inner feelings. This can result in the invention of new thought patterns, new practices, new structures or symbols, and/or...
at the L.M.C. led by trombonist Johannes Mager.
After leaving the U.S., Harri moved to Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, which became his doorway to the European improvised music scene. Harri formed his first improvising groups and organised numerous projects in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
and elsewhere. Brought many of the most notable innovators on the international improvisation
Improvisation
Improvisation is the practice of acting, singing, talking and reacting, of making and creating, in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one's immediate environment and inner feelings. This can result in the invention of new thought patterns, new practices, new structures or symbols, and/or...
scene to Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. One of his early projects included a tour with Derek Bailey's "Company" which was their first in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. Harri moved to Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
in 1985.
In 1990, Harri met Cecil Taylor
Cecil Taylor
Cecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
and has been involved in a large number of projects with the legendary pianist and composer since.
Harri founded the international "QUINTET MODERNE" and co-founded "THE PLAYER IS" trio with Teppo Hauta-Aho
Teppo Hauta-Aho
Teppo Hauta-Aho is a Finnish double bassist and composer.One of the most prominent jazz and classical double bassist in the Finland area, he resides in Helsinki. One of his most famous pieces, Kadenza, has been played at many music festivals worldwide, and for many competitions...
and Philipp Wachsmann. There's also the Bernhard Arndt / Harri Sjöström duo, which goes back to 1986. His newly formed group is called "THREE METER DOG" with, among others, drummer and percussionist Tony Buck
Tony Buck
Tony Buck is a drummer and percussionist. He graduated from the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music , becoming involved in the Australian jazz scene....
and pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
Bernhard Arndt. The very latest formation "Wait" is formed in 2005.
Harri also performs solo and is involved with making film-music.
Sjöström has recorded and performed with many musicians, including Cecil Taylor
Cecil Taylor
Cecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
, Evan Parker
Evan Parker
Evan Shaw Parker is a British free-improvising saxophone player from the European free jazz scene.Recording and performing prolifically with many collaborators, Parker was a pivotal figure in the development of European free jazz and free improvisation, and has pioneered or substantially expanded...
, Paul Lovens
Paul Lovens
Paul Lovens is a musician. He plays drums, percussion, singing saw and various selected and unselected cymbals. He has also performed with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra and Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra....
, Tristan Honsinger
Tristan Honsinger
Tristan Honsinger is a cello player active in free jazz and free improvisation. He is perhaps best known for his long-running collaboration with free jazz pianist Cecil Taylor and guitarist Derek Bailey....
and Teppo Hauta-Aho
Teppo Hauta-Aho
Teppo Hauta-Aho is a Finnish double bassist and composer.One of the most prominent jazz and classical double bassist in the Finland area, he resides in Helsinki. One of his most famous pieces, Kadenza, has been played at many music festivals worldwide, and for many competitions...
.
Discography
- Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
Quartet "Qu'a Yuba" Live at Irridium vol 2. Cadence Records CD- CJR 1098. Recorded 1998.Available on CADENCE RECORDS. USA
- Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
Quartet "QUA" Live at Irridium vol 1. Cadence Records CD - CJR 1092. Recorded 1998. (Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
, Harri Sjöström, Dominic Duval, Jackson Krall). Available on CADENCE RECORDS.USA
- Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
Almeda, FMP CD 126. (orchestra as above in "Light Of Corona"). Available on FMP RECORDS.
- Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
The Light of Corona, FMP CD 120. (Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
, Chris Matthay, Chris Jonas, Harri Sjöström, Elliot Levin, Jeff Hoyer, Tristan HonsingerTristan HonsingerTristan Honsinger is a cello player active in free jazz and free improvisation. He is perhaps best known for his long-running collaboration with free jazz pianist Cecil Taylor and guitarist Derek Bailey....
, Dominic Duval, Jackson Krall).Available on FMP RECORDS
- Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
-Ensemble Always a PleasureAlways a PleasureAlways a Pleasure is a live album by Cecil Taylor recorded at the Akademie der Kunste, Berlin on April 8, 1993 and released on the FMP label...
FMP-CD 69. Recorded 1996. (Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
, Longineu Parsons, Harri Sjöström, Charles Gayle, Tristan HonsingerTristan HonsingerTristan Honsinger is a cello player active in free jazz and free improvisation. He is perhaps best known for his long-running collaboration with free jazz pianist Cecil Taylor and guitarist Derek Bailey....
, Sirone, Rashid Bakr). Available on FMP RECORDS.
- Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
-Ensemble MelancholyMelancholy (album)Melancholy is a live album by Cecil Taylor's Workshop Ensemble featuring Evan Parker, Barry Guy and Tony Oxley recorded on September 30, 1990 at the Bechstein Concert Hall in Berlin and released on the FMP label....
FMP- CD 104, Recorded 1991. (Cecil TaylorCecil TaylorCecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
, Tony Oxley, Tobias Netta, Wolfgang Fuchs, Harri Sjöström, Volker Schlott, Evan Parker, Thomas Klemm, Jörg Huke, Thomas Wiedermann, Barry Guy). Available on FMP RECORDS.
- "Sax Syntax" Duo Harri Sjöström/ Etienne Rolin. Released on EROL RECORDS (Erol 7015), France in 1992. Available on EROL RECORDS.
- "Nicht Rot Nicht Grün" PO TORCH Rec (PO Torch 21). LP was recorded 1988/89. (Wolfgang Fuchs, Karri Koivukoski, Harri Sjöström, Paul LovensPaul LovensPaul Lovens is a musician. He plays drums, percussion, singing saw and various selected and unselected cymbals. He has also performed with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra and Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra....
). In preparation.
- Quintet Moderne "The strange and the common place" released on PO TORCH Rec. 1991. (Teppo Hauta-AhoTeppo Hauta-AhoTeppo Hauta-Aho is a Finnish double bassist and composer.One of the most prominent jazz and classical double bassist in the Finland area, he resides in Helsinki. One of his most famous pieces, Kadenza, has been played at many music festivals worldwide, and for many competitions...
, Paul Rutherford, Paul LovensPaul LovensPaul Lovens is a musician. He plays drums, percussion, singing saw and various selected and unselected cymbals. He has also performed with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra and Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra....
, Harri Sjöström, Philipp Wachsmann). Singlesided-LP available on PO TORCH RECORDS.
- Quintet Moderne "Ikkunan Takana" Recorded 1987. (Teppo Hauta-AhoTeppo Hauta-AhoTeppo Hauta-Aho is a Finnish double bassist and composer.One of the most prominent jazz and classical double bassist in the Finland area, he resides in Helsinki. One of his most famous pieces, Kadenza, has been played at many music festivals worldwide, and for many competitions...
, Jari Hongisto, Paul LovensPaul LovensPaul Lovens is a musician. He plays drums, percussion, singing saw and various selected and unselected cymbals. He has also performed with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra and Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra....
, Harri Sjöström, Philipp Wachsmann) LP was Released on BEAD Records (BEAD 26), London 1987. Available on BEAD Records.
- Quintet Moderne "Wellsprings" Recorded Live on November 25. 2001 in Praque Castle, Praque, Czech Republic. Cadence Records CD- CGR 1176. (Harri Sjöström, Philipp Wachsmann, Paul Rutherford, Teppo Hauta-AhoTeppo Hauta-AhoTeppo Hauta-Aho is a Finnish double bassist and composer.One of the most prominent jazz and classical double bassist in the Finland area, he resides in Helsinki. One of his most famous pieces, Kadenza, has been played at many music festivals worldwide, and for many competitions...
, Paul LovensPaul LovensPaul Lovens is a musician. He plays drums, percussion, singing saw and various selected and unselected cymbals. He has also performed with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra and Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra....
) Available on CADENCE RECORDS,USA.
External links
- http://www.harrisjostrom.com
- http://www.finnkultur.de/harri-sjoestroem
- http://www.fmp-label.de/freemusicproduction/musiker/sjoestroem.html