Ben Besiakov's Umami Brothers - featuring Johan Hörlén, Hans Backenroth, and Tom Olstad
A Scandinavian quartet with several performances behind them, including in Stockholm, consisting of four highly accomplished musicians, will for the first time appear in this formation at Oslo Jazzforum/Herr Nilsen.
The Danish pianist Ben Besiakov has belonged to the Danish jazz elite since the 1970s and has gradually become a popular and well-regarded guest at Herr Nilsen.
His resume includes Danish musicians such as Jesper Thilo, Jens Winther, and Alex Riel, as well as international greats like Joe Henderson, Steve Swallow, and Al Foster, to name a few. He has several recordings under his own name, many featuring American star musicians.
The Swedish alto saxophonist Johan Hörlén has not been heard often here, except for some appearances with Sharp 9 and Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. In return, he holds one of the most prestigious musician jobs there is, namely as the lead alto in the WDR Big Band Cologne, one of the world's best big bands, under the direction of Bob Mintzer.
Johan is of course also a soloist of the highest class, with several solo recordings and tours around the world.
Bassist Hans Backenroth is undoubtedly Sweden's most sought-after bassist; he has played with “everyone” of the Swedish jazz stars and was for many years the regular bassist for Monica Zetterlund, Arne Domnérus, Kjell Øhman, and Bernt Rosengren, among others. He also has an international career with Scott Hamilton, Ken Peplowski, and Champian Fulton, alongside several albums under his own name, including the critically acclaimed 2026 release "For Ray, Milt, and MJQ."
Drummer Tom Olstad represents Norway in this quartet and hardly needs further introduction to Herr Nilsen's audience, after countless concerts with Karin Krog, Knut Riisnæs, Laila Dalseth, Einar "Pastor'n" Iversen, Vidar Johansen, and many others. He also led his own quintet for many years, which released the album "Changes for Mingus" in 2007.
