John Surman and the Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble

Prominent and versatile British musician and composer John Surman has been invited to MaiJazz to instruct and perform together with the Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble. Surman resides in Norway where he is probably best known for his long professional and life partnership with Karin Krog. The brains behind a plethora of works for choirs, string sections, brass bands and modern ballet, Surman also has a succession of solo projects to his name and has performed together with leading world luminaries such as Gil Evans, Jack DeJohnette and Dave Holland.

The Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble has been performing together with accomplished professionals since 2004, thanks to MaiJazz. Frode Alnæs, John Scofield, Richard Bona and Cyro Baptista have all shared a stage with the big band, comprising talented young musicians from the jazz studies course at the University of Stavanger. Reputed as an exceptionally talented instructor, Surman will no doubt both inspire and invigorate the performers during this three-day collaborative treat, manifesting in an amazing closing climax to MaiJazz 2010!

Line-up: John Surman - saxes, and The Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble

www.johnsurman.com