Jon Christensen is probably one of the few European jazz drummers who has made a name for himself in the U.S. In Norway, of course, he is the father of a whole generation of drummers, easily recognized by the way they all have their heads turned to one side, so that one ear is facing the audience. The reason behind this common trait is that Jon is deaf in one ear. In this interview, which took place in Oslo, Jon talks about his influences, his approach to music, playing with Jan Garbarek, Bud Powell and Keith Jarrett, and his relationship with bass players, such as Miroslav Vitous, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Arild Andersen, and Palle Danielson. CS: Let’s start with the beginning. JC: Okay. I was born in Oslo, Norway in 1943. I played piano in my first band. My cousin was also in the group. I was 15 at the […]

September 1985 Issue