Nils Landgren is a prolific Swedish jazz trombonist, singer, and bandleader, renowned in the music world as "The Man with the Red Horn" due to his signature red trombone. Born on February 15, 1956, in Degerfors, Sweden, Landgren has made a significant impact on both the Swedish and international jazz scenes through his dynamic performances and versatile musical style.
From a young age, Landgren was musically inclined, starting with the drums at age six and later transitioning to the trombone at 13. His formal music education included classical trombone studies at the music college in Karlstad, followed by further training at the University of Arvika, where his instructors included David Maytan and Ingemar Roos. Despite this classical foundation, Landgren became deeply influenced by Swedish folk-jazz pioneer Bengt-Arne Wallin and trombonist Eje Thelin, which prompted a shift towards jazz improvisation.
Landgren's journey in music took a professional turn when he moved to Stockholm after graduation, establishing himself in the vibrant jazz community there. A milestone in his career came in 1981 when Thad Jones invited him to join the "Ball of Fire" big band project as the lead trombonist. Landgren debuted as a solo artist with the album "Planet Rock" in 1983. Between 1985 and 1987, he expanded his talents to include acting, singing, and dancing, performing in over 360 shows of the Swedish play "SKÅL."
In 1992, Landgren formed the Nils Landgren Unit, which later became known as the Nils Landgren Funk Unit. The band's big break arrived in 1994 at the Jazz Baltica Festival in Germany. Their album "Live in Stockholm" from that year, featuring guest star Maceo Parker, marked Landgren's long-term collaboration with the ACT Music label.
Landgren's discography is extensive, with over 30 albums as a leader and 20 as a sideman or producer, primarily under the ACT label since 1994. Noteworthy albums include:
His versatility as a musician is reflected in his collaborations with an array of artists including ABBA, The Crusaders, Eddie Harris, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Wyclef Jean, and Herbie Hancock.
Renowned for his musical versatility, Landgren seamlessly navigates between genres such as jazz, rock, soul, funk, and hip-hop. His career spans hundreds of albums and studio sessions, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic artist.
Landgren's contributions to music have been acknowledged through various accolades:
Beyond performance, Landgren has enriched the music scene through various roles:
Landgren also contributes to academia as a professor at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians.
Nils Landgren remains an influential figure in the jazz and funk scenes, celebrated for his engaging performances, distinctive sound, and continuous efforts to foster musical innovation.
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