Håkon Kornstad had already enjoyed quite an extensive international career as a jazz saxophonist - as a solo musician as well as with groups. He had released multiple Norwegian Grammy nominated albums with international acclaim, and he was praised by various international jazz magazines for his pioneering saxophone techniques, and for his warm sound. Then he started to become a classical tenor with a nordic timbre, reminding us of the golden era of singing.
In Håkon Kornstad Trio, Håkon is joined by two of the finest and most versatile improvisers on the European music scene today; Frode Haltli on accordion and Mats Eilertsen on double bass.
The trio recorded “Im Treibhaus” in 2018, a studio album released on the Norwegian label Grappa. Kornstad Trio’s repertoire consists of classical songs and opera arias infused with improvisation and strong interplay. However, this trio has a transparency and presence that makes it stand out from the rest of his projects. The music is in constant motion, and the outpouring of ideas and calls and responses in an almost avantgarde jazz fashion, makes for a highly different concert.
The orchestral works of Kornstad has been performed with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK), WDR Funkhausorchestra in Cologne in 2018, and the Stockholm Wind Symphonic. He has also a collaboration with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and director Terje Tønnesen.
The solo concerts is performed with Solo saxophone, flute, flutonette, voice and live looping.
“A musical world sensation” - Norwegian Financial Times (NO)
“Once again, the link between romantic classical songs and Scandinavian jazz is surprisingly explored” - Johnny’s Garden (NL)
"The Norwegian saxophonist and singer turned what could have been a circus act into a musical tour de force" - The Guardian (UK)
Håkon Kornstad – tenor, tenor saxophone, flute
Frode Haltli – accordion
Mats Eilertsen – double bass