Åpning

Ketil Bjørnstad´s credentials are so vast, it´s impossible to fit them all on a one-sheet.

Born in Oslo in 1952, he soon became a prodigy, leaving primary school to study piano in Oslo, London and Paris. He made his debut at 16, playing Bartok´s Piano Concert nr. 3 with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. But soon other pathways beckoned, discovering Miles Davis´s In a Silent Way and meeting poets, painters and jazz musicians around the creative music spot “Club 7” in Oslo. Amongst these were Svein Finnerud Trio, and he would spend late nights with their bassist Bjørnar Andresen, discussing music and life at length. Keith Jarrett´s In Your Quiet Place would occupy the turntable and there would be excursions to Henie Onstad Art Center for free music concerts. Encouraged by his new friends he soon developed an urge to create his own music. Demo tapes were recorded, acquaintances made and a deal secured.Considering the gap between the classical world and jazz (especially at this time), we find it amazing that a young artist could take the leap in such a short time, both as a player and composer (all eight tracks being originals), and with such a successful result.

Åpning has all the qualities that would become Bjørnstad´s trademarks; strong melodies and a fluid and confident touch.