Karl Seglem was born on July 8th, 1961

Written by: Emily Carter

Karl Seglem: The Norwegian Jazz Virtuoso

Karl Seglem, born on July 8, 1961, in Rdalstangen, Norway, is a renowned Norwegian jazz musician, composer, and producer, celebrated for his fusion of jazz and traditional music. He is particularly known for his mastery of the saxophone and the ancient Norwegian instrument, bukkehorn (Billy Goat Horn).

Early Life and Education

Seglem's musical journey began at the Voss Folk High School (1978-1980), where he pursued a music program. This laid the foundation for his future collaborations with notable musicians, including Arvid Genius, Jan Grieg Qvartet, and Kenneth Sivertsen, during the 1980s in Bergen.

Career Highlights

Seglem's illustrious career is marked by numerous releases, collaborations, and awards. He has led his own jazz band, Growl, and written for the magazine Jazznytt. Notably, he founded the record label NorCD in 1991, which has been the platform for many of his releases.

• He has released eight albums in his own name, showcasing his unique blend of jazz and traditional music.
• His long-standing cooperation with Terje Isungset has resulted in several albums, including the bands Isglem and Utla, featuring fiddle player Håkon Hågemo.
• Seglem has also released two albums in collaboration with poet Jon Fosse, further demonstrating his versatility.

The Bukkehorn Maestro

Around 2000, Seglem began experimenting with the ancient Norwegian instrument, bukkehorn (Billy Goat Horn). Today, he is the world's leading instrumentalist playing the bukkehorn, taking this traditional instrument to new heights.

Awards and Honors

Seglem's contributions to the music world have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including:

• 1983: Rdal Kommunes Culture Prize
• 1998: Gammlengprisen in open class
• 1998: Edvard Prize in the class Popular music, major work, together with Reidar Skår for TYA
• 2010: Buddyprisen
• 2012: Commissioned work Som spor at Vossajazz

Touring and Performances

Seglem has toured extensively with Rikskonsertene and Den norske jazzscene. In 2013, he joined forces with Natalie Sandtorv and Marte Eberson for the project Jazz til ungdom (Jazz to the youth). He has also performed at Vossajazz, where he presented his fjordjazz with Gisle Torvik, Andreas Ulvo, and Epletrio.

Karl Seglem's remarkable career is a testament to his innovative spirit, dedication to preserving traditional music, and passion for pushing the boundaries of jazz. As a pioneering musician and composer, he continues to inspire and delight audiences worldwide.