About
Pianist and composer Søren Nørbo holds a unique place in contemporary Scandinavian Jazz. A prolific composer, he is responsible for hundreds of compositions, several (but not certainly not all) of them documented on his 11 releases as a leader. His trio with Kresten Osgood on drums and bassist Niels Præstholm and later Nils Davidsen has done a series of acclaimed albums and is highly regarded for its unique interplay and expressiveness. Nørbo has also collaborated with such names as Joakim Milder and Django Bates (on several albums), Wadada Leo Smith, poet Lars Skinnebach, organist Ulrik Spang-Hanssen and has during his entire career had an affinity for singers, most recently expressed in his collaboration with virtuoso vocalist Elvira Skovsang.
Often referred to as a "cult musician", which is just another name for "terribly underrated", Nørbo´s importance as guiding light for younger generations of improvisers and experimentalists, both as a teacher and collaborator, cannot be overstated. His playing is full of opposites without being contradictions. It's melodic and abstract, highly personal to the point of almost being private, yet very expressive and capturing at the same time. It belongs in the global canon of pianistic statements (Bill Evans, Jan Johansson, Masabumi Kikuchi, Paul Bley) yet is definitively "Danish sounding" in its musical language and also relates to composers Per Nørgård, Carl Nielsen and the deep Danish song tradition.
Often referred to as a "cult musician", which is just another name for "terribly underrated", Nørbo´s importance as guiding light for younger generations of improvisers and experimentalists, both as a teacher and collaborator, cannot be overstated. His playing is full of opposites without being contradictions. It's melodic and abstract, highly personal to the point of almost being private, yet very expressive and capturing at the same time. It belongs in the global canon of pianistic statements (Bill Evans, Jan Johansson, Masabumi Kikuchi, Paul Bley) yet is definitively "Danish sounding" in its musical language and also relates to composers Per Nørgård, Carl Nielsen and the deep Danish song tradition.
Groups
Discography
13 releasesGarneret med hvidt støv
Søren Nørbo, Ulrik Spang-Hanssen · 2026
Note før ilden
Søren Nørbo, Lars Skinnebach, Nils Davidsen · 2026
Dét, Som Ikke Kan Kaldes Tilbage
Søren Nørbo, Wadada Leo Smith, Kresten Osgood · 2024
The Invisible Guest
Søren Nørbo · 2013
Speak Low
Kirsten Høj / Søren Nørbo · 1996
Søren Nørbo & Joakim Milder
Søren Nørbo, Joakim Milder · 1996
Bergeries
Søren Nørbo Trio · 2011
I Ydre Hjerte
Søren Nørbo Trio · 2010
Danish Jazz Today
Various · 2007
Debates
Søren Nørbo Trio · 2007
Aircondition
Niels Præstholm & Embla · 2007
Tu Whoo - To You
Søren Nørbo Trio · 2003
Attentio
Søren Nørbo Trio · 2001