Jan Kaspersen (Biography - short version)
Pianist, composer, and bandleader
Born on 22 April 1948 in Copenhagen. Studied piano with Juke Jordan and Herman D. Koppel, and jazz theory with George Russell. Study trips to The Gambia, West Africa, in 1983 and 1985. Since 1969 active on the jazz scene, primarily in Denmark, but has performed in Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, the USA, and Russia. Awarded DJBFA's composer prize in 1987, the JASA prize in 1988, Statens Kunstfonds 3-year work grant in 1993, and lifelong grant from 1998.
Leader of his own ensembles since 1979 and active as solo pianist. Established his name during the 1980s as one of the most distinctive and original profiles in jazz - as pianist, composer, and not least as bandleader.
He has made numerous recordings with his own groups - large and small - with duos and as solo pianist. Rockwell/Kaspersen's "Ballads and Cocktails" was chosen jazz recording of the year in 1992 and Jan Kaspersen Quintet's "Heavy Smoke" received a Grammy for best jazz recording of the year in 1994.
Selective discography:
"Bizarre Ballet" JK5 (1983) | |
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