As the world celebrates the birthday of a true luminary in the realm of music and art, Odd-Arne Jacobsen, it is only fitting to delve into the extraordinary career of this modern-day maestro. Born on 29 December 1947. Jacobsen has not only carved a niche for himself in the world of classical and contemporary music but has also become a symbol of artistic brilliance and innovation.
Early Life and Musical Odyssey:
Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s journey into the world of music began at a young age, as he displayed an innate talent for various musical instruments. Hailing from Norway, Jacobsen’s early exposure to the region’s rich cultural and musical heritage undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic sensibilities.
There was always music in my childhood home. Both accordion and guitar played a big role in turning me towards music. My uncle Harald was a professional musician, he practiced a lot with his trio with us. My mother sang in a ladies’ choir – Maria Callas stood on the player and was often replaced by Django Reinhardt. I was an active boy’s choir singer in my hometown of Tromsø in northern Norway, says Odd-Arne Jacobsen.
Jacobsen’s insatiable thirst for musical knowledge led him to pursue formal education in music, where he honed his skills and expanded his repertoire. His dedication and passion for the craft became evident early on, setting the stage for a career that would transcend conventional boundaries.
My path towards jazz probably started at the age of 14. I became a guitarist in my uncle’s trio and quartet. There was a lot going on in The American Songbook .G.Gershwin – C. Porter – Richard Rodgers-E.-Berlin -V.Young etc—as well as Italian and French popular melodies. I hope that my style as a guitarist/composer will become an expression. As a musician, I have wandered through much of music history with a focus on the guitar’s rich and deep history.
My musical footprints go through the renaissance as studies in vocal polyphony with a focus on Palestrina(1525-1594 and one of the history’s great John Dowland (1563-1626) – worked a lot in the landscape with free jazz in the early 70s. with several “famous” names that were connected by ECM .It was not my way at all. My musical DNA lies in fast passages – long lines – voicings that would stand up to the conservatory (which also happened) as well as following the path, playing what you hear with focus and respect for those who have shown the way. I am very focused on the tone you create as your substance, Odd-Arne explains.
Innovations in Composition:
A defining characteristic of Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s career is his relentless pursuit of innovation in composition. Breaking away from traditional norms, Jacobsen’s musical creations seamlessly blend classical elements with contemporary influences, creating a unique and mesmerizing sonic tapestry. His compositions reflect a deep understanding of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future, earning him acclaim from both critics and audiences alike.
EP “Admission”
As the picture on the cover shows, there is a small island called Håja outside my hometown of Tromsø in northern Norway – beyond it is the open sea with all the challenges it represents. Such images give me associations about the great creation and the sea in particular – Håya is the last safe point before the open sea – it gives me both harmonizations and dynamics which I use mentally and thus also musically. My development goes more and more towards what gives me associations and images towards the creation we surround ourselves with challenges and being humble about the basic elements – things change quickly !!!. The word / title Admission is in many ways a beautiful and humble word – we are all applicants for a new day.
Global Impact:
As a true global ambassador of music, Jacobsen’s influence extends far beyond his native Norway. His compositions have resonated with audiences on an international scale, earning him recognition and admiration across continents. Jacobsen’s ability to communicate complex emotions and narratives through his music has made him a revered figure in the contemporary music scene.
Inspirations
From my start it was probably Django Reinhard – especially his late sessions with electric guitar. Later there was a lot of rock and jazz of all categories – The Swedish baritone saxophonist Lars Gullin has been a leading star regarding compositions – Mari Callas in opera as an art form together with Jussi Bjørnling – Gustav Mahler -G. Puccini – Berlioz -Miles Davies John Coltrane – David Bowie -Tupac ( rapper ) Beach Boys the painters: -Edvard Munch- Jan Lievens – Chagall- Rembrandt -Renoir- Bill Evans etc——etc. -Knut Hamsun-William Shakespeare Wilhelm Reich-Jens Bjørneboe-Mick Ronson -Johny Smith -Jan Akkerman —Phil Woods -Charlie Parker – Sonny Sitt- Jan Johansson-Garry Mulligan Marry Blige – Whitney Houston – Dionne Warwick —Patsy Cline -Quincy Jones -Dick Halligan etc—— Heart -David Clayton Thomas-Lew Soloff.- Joni Mitchell- Eddie Lang —Duke Ellington.
Tips to new musicians:
Avoid being infected by what I call the “Cowboy syndrome” It results in playing as fast as possible (shooting the fastest in “duels”) Kicking open the bar door and shooting rivals (guitarists) “Soon new challengers will come and shoot you” Concentrate you about finding your tone – don’t buy every new Stomp Box that comes out. Take breaks from guitar synths and pedals and work your way into your tone!!! Sooner or later someone will come who is younger and plays (shoots) faster
Collaborations and Cross-Disciplinary Ventures:
Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s collaborative spirit has seen him working with a diverse array of artists, transcending the boundaries of musical genres. His willingness to explore cross-disciplinary ventures has resulted in groundbreaking collaborations that showcase the versatility and adaptability of his musical prowess. From classical orchestras to cutting-edge electronic ensembles, Jacobsen’s ability to seamlessly navigate different musical landscapes is a testament to his artistic genius.
Awards and Accolades:
Throughout his illustrious career, Jacobsen has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his status as a star in the world of music. His contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape have not gone unnoticed, and his name is synonymous with excellence and innovation.
As we raise our glasses to Odd-Arne Jacobsen on his birthday, let us celebrate the life and career of a true musical luminary. His unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression, coupled with a profound dedication to artistic innovation, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Here’s to Odd-Arne Jacobsen—a star whose brilliance continues to illuminate the path for future generations of musicians and artists.
