Lars Danielsson | Bass The bassist Lars Danielsson is renown and admired in the International Jazz world for his lyrical but groovy playing. Not least his capability to improve the appearance of the melody has brought him around the world in a number of various musical constellations. Background: Lars Danielsson was born in 1958 and was educated from the Music Conservatory in Gothenburg. Both on double bass, electric bass and cello - (his originally main instrument from the days at the conservatory) - he is an extraordinary soloist and accompanist, who gives the music edge and colourful temperament. "Lars Danielsson Quartet" with former Miles Davis saxophonist David Liebman, pianist Bobo Stenson and legendary ECM drummer Jon Christensen has been receiving loads of recognition and awards during the 18 years in which the Quartet has existed. This Quartet has been a playground for Danielssons work as a composer and arranger, which he has extended to include both Symphony Orchestra and Big Band music. During the previous years in co-operation with Danmarks Radios RUO Orchestra (a Symphony Orchestra) as a composer, arranger and producer. And in the nearest future Lars will perform his own newly written material as a leader for the Jazz Baltica Ensemble. Extracts from Lars Danielssons Discography: 8 solo-albums since 1980 both with "Lars Danielssons Quartet" and guests such as Alex Acuna, John Abercrombie, Bill Evans and Niels Lan Doky. Other notabilities whom Lars Danielsson has worked with: Randy and Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Mike Stern, Billy Hart, Charles Lloyd, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joey Calderrazzo, Gino Vanelli and Dave Kikoski. Lars Danielsson has also been a member of the "Trilok Gurtu Group". As a producer: Lars Danielsson has been responsible for productions with Cæcilie Norby and The Danish Radio RUO Orchestra among others. Official website: www.larsdanielsson.com Carsten Dahl | Piano Pianist Carsten Dahl has for several years been esteemed as one of Scandinavias most distinguished pianists. From marvelous solo-piano to soulful quartet play: His fascinating timing and musicality is distinctive. Carsten Dahl has a wealth of good reviews, awards and CD-recordings in his repetoire both nationally and internationally. He's heard as the steady pianist on Cæcilie Norby's CD: "First Conversation". Discography snippet: 4 solo albums since 1997. Including albums with Richard Boone, Thomas Blackman, Ed Thigpen, Palle Mikkelborg, etc. Official website: www.carstendahl.dk Lars Jansson | Piano Lars Jansson was born in Orebro City, Sweden, in 1951. As a five-year-old he started to play the piano. Lars first went to dentist school but later changed to the Music Conservatory (Musikkonservatoriet) of Gothenburg to become a music teacher. This eventually lead to a career as a professional jazz musician. Lars started his career by joining the group of Arild Andersen (bass) in Norway. Lars recorded two LPs with him on ECM. He also took part in some other top groups in Northern Europe. In 1979, Lars Jansson formed his own trio with Anders Jormin (bass) and Anders Kjellberg (drums). In 1985 Lars Danielsson replaced Anders Jormin on bass in Lars Jansson Trio. From 1987 to 1988, Lars joined tenor sax player Jan Garbarek's group and played all over the world. In 1990, Lars Jansson won the Jan Johansson prize, which is given to the excellent musician in Sweden. He has also won another six prizes. Later, he joined the Red Mitchell trio, to record on the Dragon record label. In 1998, Lars assumed the first professor in Aarhus at the National Music College by the offer of the Danish government. Now Lars is the Evolution Professor in Aarhus, the National Music College in Denmark. Xavier Desandre-Navarre | Percussion Xavier was born in Paris in 1961 and grew up in the Aix Province. In 1976 he spent a year in Aix en Provence, at the Music Conservatory of Percussion. Later on he studied at the University of Aix were he graduated in 1985 with a License Degree in Economics. Since the age of 12 Xavier has played music. His artistic expression is instinctive and improvized, a mix from encounters with musicians from countries around the world; Brazil, Africa, Cuba, India, Turkey, Algeria, U.S., Scandinavia etc. He has played with Big Bands, performed a large number of solo concerts and in 1987 he went on tour with Gil Evans, just after settling in Paris. Xavier mixes brazilian percussions with indian instruments, plays gongs and african drums, mixes acoustic with live electronics in his own and particular way. He has developed a drums n' percussion set for both live performances and recording sessions. In 1991 Xavier was chosen to play with the french "Orchestre National de Jazz". He has played at live performances and on studio recordings with Michel Portal and with Charlie Haden, who requested Xavier for his "Liberation Orchestra". Xavier has also played with artists such as: Les Rita Mitsouko, Manu Dibango, Cheb Mami, Cæcilie Norby, Tania Maria to mention a few. Xavier has composed his own project: "Tribalmopolite Percussion Solo" which he has performed at various festivals. "France does not have a strong tradition with percussion instruments" Xavier says, and claims his purpose is to obtain knowledge and insights about many foreign traditions. He then transcends the new sounds of percussion grooves and instruments into new musical concepts. Since 1986 he has participated on roughly 90 cd recordings. He composes for bands and several movies - one being: "The Professional" by Luc Besson. At present time, Xavier is working on projects with Niels Lan Doky, performing and recording with Rick Margitza and also touring with Cæcilie Norby and her new album: "London/Paris". Official website: Click here to visit Xavier's site