ABOUT
BOOKING:
Multi-instrumentalist, band leader and free spirit Harald Lassens growing acclaim and reputation as a unique creative force within Norwegian jazz and other creative music is not only justified but plain for all to hear. «Harald´s music is jazz, but jazz of a different shape and colour. Music from a free and open mind» wrote international music press after his third album «Human Samling»
On his latest Norwegian Grammy-winning album «Balans», Harald brings all of himself into play - the saxophonist, the pianist, and not least the songwriter with a precise pen, who finds clear meeting points between big, romantic feelings and the more enigmatic, the almost surreal. He himself often says that he appreciates how art does not require strict adherence to conventional "meaning": It can be a place where you arrive with your luggage, and that it makes room for you. Together with his lively and soulful band Lassen centers his music around inviting tunes from his catalogue and brings the listener on a liberating adventure. Grounded and soaring at the same time. A good place to be in!
Harald Lassen was in an early aged picked up by jazz legends like Jon Christensen and Arild Andersen and has gradually staked out his own course through a huge amounts of bands, collabs and artistic directions, from the underground techno scene in Oslo to church music to commercial pop music. Beside his own band Harald is currently playing in a new duo with singer Susanna Wallumrød.
Back in 2016 Harald Lassen released his first solo album ”Rainbow Session” in collaboration with Belgian LABtrio which is just one of many national and international artist he has worked with along his musical path; Jon Christensen, Ellen Andrea Wang, Bram De Looze, Corrie Dick, Rob Luft, Cassandra Jenkins, Anja Lauvdal, Sondre Lerche, Frida Ånnevik, No. 4, Mohammed Matona and so on.
«Lassen makes you feel you´re part of something spontanious and real – here and now you are very lucky” -JazziNorge
"One of the most original and enthralling pieces of music in a very, very long time" - Morgenbladet
"Remarkably beautiful and pleasant sounding music for our times" - Dagens Næringsliv
Harald Lassen Balans. From left: Tore Flatjord, Stian Andersen, Harald Lassen, Solveig Wang, Sander Nordahl Eriksen
Skills: saxophone, flute, keys, vocals, MidiMe, songwriting
From: Songdalen close to Kristiansand City, Norway
Ongoing projects/bands:
Harald Lassen Balans
Susanna og Harald Lassen gjør Gunvor Hofmo
Harald Lassen trio w/Veslemøy Narvensen & Bardur Reinert Poulsen
Previous projects: No. 4(2012-2023), Pixel(2010- 2017), Bugge Wesseltoft New Conception of Jazz, Mopti, Dr. Kay And His Interstellar Tone Scientists, Duplex, Ronja, Sjøen, Harald Lassen & LABtrio, Matona Afdhal Group
Collaborations: Jon Christensen, Corrie Dick, Anja Lauvdal, Sondre Lerche, Frida Ånnevik, Per Oddvar Johansen, Bram De Looze, Marthe Eberson, Cassandra Jenkins, Hilma Nikolaisen, Konradsen, Mats Eilertsen, Tord Gustavsen, Susanna Wallumrød, Sanskriti Shrestha, Ellen Andrea Wang, Kristoffer Eikrem, Eyolf Dale, Marianna Sangita, Rob Luft, LABtrio, Christian Winther, Morten Qvenild, Emilie Christensen, Bendik Baksaas, Marbles, Jo Asgeir Lie, Christian Meaas Svendsen, Kjersti Horn/Erik Hedin and many more!
Labels: Jazzland Recordings
Founder of The Jazz Department of Dhow Countries Music Academy, Zanzibar
Stuff:
-Norwegian Grammy 2023 Winner “Harald Lassen - Balans” -Norwegian Grammy 2020 Nomination “Harald Lassen - Human Samling” -Nomination Bremen Jazz Price 2016 (Mopti & Bendik Baksaas) -Norwegian Broadcasts “jazz higlight of 2015” (Pixel) -Nomination Gaffa Price 2015 ”Album of the year” (Mopti & Bendik Baksaas) -Nomination Gaffa Price 2015 ”Band of the year” (Mopti & Bendik Baksaas) -UK Music Video Awards 2013 ”Best International Dance Video (“Call Me” by Pixel)
-Young Nordic Jazz Comets 2013 (Pixel) -Young jazz musician of the year 2012 (Mopti)
Harald Lassen (photo: Marius Ringen)