Introduction

Jazz music is one of the most captivating and soulful music genres in the world. It is characterized by its improvisational nature, complex harmonies, and syncopated rhythms. Jazz has been around for over a century, and it has produced some of the world’s greatest musicians. One such musician is Vigleik Storaas, a Norwegian jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, who has been contributing to the jazz scene for over four decades. In this blog post, we will explore the musical journey of Vigleik Storaas, his growth as a musician, and his contribution to the world of jazz music.

Early Years

Vigleik Storaas was born on May 24th, 1959, in Hamar, Norway. He grew up in a musical family, and he started playing the piano at a young age. Storaas took inspiration from his father, who was a professional musician and composer. During his teenage years, Storaas began playing in local jazz clubs, which helped him hone his skills, and he quickly became an accomplished jazz pianist.

Musical Education

In 1978, Storaas moved to Oslo to attend the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he studied under jazz pianist Egil Kapstad. While in school, Storaas was exposed to a wide range of jazz styles, including bebop, swing, and fusion. Additionally, he had the opportunity to play with other up-and-coming jazz musicians, which further contributed to his growth as a musician.

Early Career

After completing his studies in 1983, Vigleik Storaas began his professional music career, playing in various bands and ensembles. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented jazz pianist and was in high demand across the country. In 1987, Storaas released his first album, “Momentum,” which received critical acclaim and established him as a leading figure in Norwegian jazz.

Collaborations

Over the next several years, Vigleik Storaas collaborated with several prominent jazz musicians, including Karin Krog, Terje Rypdal, and Arild Andersen. He also formed his own trio, which consisted of bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Jon Christensen. Together, they released several albums, including “Ritual” and “Plunge.”

Compositional Style

One of the distinguishing features of Vigleik Storaas’ music is his unique compositional style. He often draws inspiration from Norwegian folk music and utilizes complex harmonies and unconventional structures in his compositions. Storaas has also been known to experiment with electronic effects and synthesizers in his music, adding layers of complexity to his sound.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Vigleik Storaas has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to jazz music. In 1994, he was awarded the Buddyprisen, the highest honor in Norwegian jazz. Additionally, he has received several Spellemannprisen awards, the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy awards, for his various albums.

FAQs

Q. What is Vigleik Storaas’ most popular album?
A. While Vigleik Storaas has released several critically acclaimed albums throughout his career, his most popular album is “Momentum,” which was released in 1987.

Q. Does Vigleik Storaas tour outside of Norway?
A. Yes, Vigleik Storaas has performed in several countries outside of Norway, including Germany, the United States, and Japan.

Q. What is Vigleik Storaas’ compositional style?
A. Vigleik Storaas’ compositional style is characterized by his use of complex harmonies, unconventional structures, and experimental electronic effects.

Q. Has Vigleik Storaas won any awards for his music?
A. Yes, Vigleik Storaas has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to jazz music, including the Buddyprisen and several Spellemannprisen awards.

Q. Who are some of Vigleik Storaas’ musical influences?
A. Vigleik Storaas has been influenced by a wide range of musicians, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Keith Jarrett.

Q. What is Vigleik Storaas’ most recent album?
A. Vigleik Storaas’ most recent album is “Enter text” which was released in 2021.

Q. Where can I listen to Vigleik Storaas’ music?
A. Vigleik Storaas’ music can be found on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Conclusion

Vigleik Storaas is a true legend in the world of jazz music, and his contributions have helped shape the genre over the past four decades. His unique compositional style, impressive improvisational skills, and collaborations with other jazz musicians have set him apart as one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to his music yet, we highly recommend that you do.