Bjarne Nerem: The Jazz Virtuoso
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Bjarne Nerem, born on July 31, 1923, in Oslo, Norway, was a renowned jazz musician, known for his mastery of the tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, and clarinet. His musical journey began during World War II, when he started playing the clarinet and recording with Syv Muntre in 1943. He later transitioned to the tenor and alto saxophone, which eventually became his main instruments.
Career and Musical Innovations
In 1947, Nerem embarked on a more than 20-year career in Stockholm, Sweden, where he became one of the first bebop performers and quickly rose to prominence. He played in the orchestras of Thore Jederby and Santa Skoog from 1947 to 1949. After three years within Karl Westby’s orchestra at Rainbow in Oslo, Nerem went on to play in several Swedish bands including with Simon Brehm from 1952 to 1954 and Harry Arnold’s radio band in 1956. He was a member of Carl-Henrik Norin’s band from 1968 to 1971 and performed on recordings by Ove Lind, Siljabloo Nilsson, Lasse Sjösten, Arne Domnérus, Monica Zetterlund, Thore Ehrling, and Nils Lindberg.
Recordings and Performances
Over the years, Nerem recorded several albums that showcased his unique musical style. His album “How Long Has This Been Going On” won the “Gyllene skivan” award in 1971. He returned to Norway in 1973 and led his own Bjarne Nerem Kvartett, releasing the album “Everything Happens To Me” in 1976, which was awarded Spellemannprisen 1976. They also released “This Is Always” in 1984, and contributed to Nerem’s solo album “More Than You Know” in 1987.
Contributions to Jazz
Nerem’s contributions to jazz go beyond his performances and recordings. He was a pioneer in the Scandinavian jazz scene, known for his unique style and technical proficiency.
Legacy and Influence
Nerem’s influence extends beyond his performances and compositions. He was one of Scandinavia’s foremost tenor saxophonists and achieved international recognition for his performances. He passed away on April 1, 1991, but his legacy lives on in his music and the many musicians he has influenced throughout his career.
- “How long has this been going on”– This album showcases Nerem’s unique approach to jazz, combining classical music with jazz and Latin American rhythms.
- “More than you know”– This album, released in 1987, is a testament to Nerem’s unique and personal performance style.
- “Everything Happens To Me”– This 1976 recording showcases Nerem’s innovative approach to music.
- “This Is Always”– This album features collaborations with other musicians and showcases Nerem’s ability to create captivating jazz compositions.
- “Portrait of a Norwegian Jazz Artist”– This album features Nerem’s work with his band, providing a glimpse into his musical genius.
- “Embraceable you”– This track showcases Nerem’s unique musical style.
- “The big band sessions”– This track provides a glimpse into Nerem’s musical genius and his ability to create unique jazz compositions.
- “The small band sessions”– This track showcases Nerem’s incorporation of Latin American rhythms into his music.
- “Happy Jazz”– This track provides a comprehensive overview of Nerem’s musical journey.
- “George Gershwin + Karin Krog”– This track showcases Nerem’s unique fusion of classical music with jazz.
