Nils Landgren, the celebrated Swedish musician known as "The Man with the Red Horn," has made a significant mark in the worlds of R&B, funk, and jazz with his iconic trombone playing. With a career that spans numerous collaborations and acclaimed albums, Landgren continues to influence the music scene while also contributing academically as a professor and artistic director.
Nils Landgren, born on February 15, 1956, in Degerfors, Sweden, is a renowned Swedish musician celebrated for his prowess in R&B, funk, and jazz. Known as "The Man with the Red Horn," Landgren's signature red trombone is iconic in the world of music. His journey in music has been both extensive and diverse, leading him to become a prominent figure in jazz and funk.
Landgren's musical journey began at a young age when he took up the drums at six. At 13, he switched to the trombone, which became his primary instrument of choice. His formal education occurred at the music college in Karlstad, where he studied classical trombone under David Maytan before continuing at the University of Arvika with Ingemar Roos.
A decisive moment in his career was meeting Bengt-Arne Wallin and Eje Thelin, which prompted him to transition from classical music to a more improvisational style, allowing him to craft his unique musical voice.
After graduating, Landgren relocated to Stockholm, propelling his professional journey as a trombonist. His first major exposure came through a tour with Swedish pop star Björn Skifs and his band, Blue Swede. By 1981, Landgren caught the attention of Thad Jones and joined his big band, "Ball of Fire," as the lead trombonist.
Landgren’s versatility saw him contribute to over 500 albums across various genres. His collaborations with notable international artists include work with ABBA, The Crusaders, Eddie Harris, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Wyclef Jean, and Herbie Hancock.
Landgren launched his solo career in 1983 with the album "Planet Rock," followed by successful releases such as:
In 1992, he formed the Nils Landgren Unit, which evolved into the acclaimed Nils Landgren Funk Unit. Their international breakthrough came with a performance at the 1994 Jazz Baltica Festival, leading to a fruitful association with ACT Music.
Landgren’s projects extend to several albums with the Funk Unit, including:
He also initiated the "Christmas With My Friends" concert series and collaborated with various artists on projects like "4 Wheel Drive."
Landgren has held significant leadership roles, such as Artistic Director for Jazzfest Berlin and the Jazz Baltica Festival, significantly boosting its outreach. His excellence and impact in music have been recognized with prestigious awards like:
Beyond performance, Landgren contributes academically as Doctor (h.c.) at the University of Karlstad and Professor at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg. His dedication continues to influence and shape the landscape of jazz and funk music in Europe and beyond.
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