As a musician/composer/producer I have several projects that are presented more in detail on other pages: Jakob Norgren Jazz Orchestra, Big Band Splash, The Emersons and Wime Records.
I was born in 1967 and grew up in Piteå and Örebro (Sweden). I took piano lessons when I was 8 years old and then clarinet lessons at age 10 to 15. Then, for a few years basketball occupied most of my time, but at age 19 I decided to buy a tenor sax and learn how to play jazz. In 1989–91 I studied at Fridhems folkhögskola, Svalöv with Cennet Jönsson as an inspiring teacher.
In the 90’s I played jazz and funk with different bands, but I also studied at the Stockholm University and took a Master of Education for the Upper Secondary School (Psychology & Social studies). I also developed as a saxophone player by taking lessons from Hector Bingert and Alberto Pinton.
In 1999-2006 I took a Master of Music at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm. The first four years my main subject was jazz saxophone with Alberto Pinton, Joakim Milder, Karl-Martin Almqvist and Johan Hörlen. 2003-2006 I studied composition with Örjan Fahlström as my most important teacher. At the Royal College of Music I also have had the pleasure of meeting guest professors/lecturers as Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Quincy Jones, Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, Tim Hagans, Karl-Heinz Stockhausen, Helge Albin, Michael Gibbs and B.B. King.
Alongside my music career I have been teaching psychology, social studies and music. In recent years I have taken courses and educated myself in neuroscience and physiology. I also worked as a research assistant, and since 2017 I’m employed as a PhD student at Karolinska Institutet. My doctoral project is about the relation between diet and cognitive health in normal aging and dementia.
On baritone sax I’m a member of Knock-Out Greg & The Injectors (blues), Crawfish Cook (New Orleans funk/r&b) and some other bands. I’ve been working with a.o. Sven Zetterberg, Mike Sanchez (U.K.), Blue House Jazz Orchestra, Ann-Sofi Söderqvist Jazz Orchestra, Peter Asplund Big Band, Koop, Arne Forsén Unit, Rolf Wikström, The Beat From Palookaville, Trickbag, Marino & The King Five, Baskery, Khalid and also U.S. bluesmen John Németh and Kid Ramos.
I recieved a grant from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee (Konstnärsnämnden) 2008 & 2010 and also from STIM 2015 and Stockholms stad (kulturstipendium) 2016.
JAKOB NORGREN 