Double concert: Alexander Hawkins solo / Arild Andersen & Henri Texier

A 21st century pioneer and the joining of two legendary bass-players | Oslo Jazzfestival 2023

Alexander Hawkins solo

Alexander Hawkins is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most innovative and imaginative pianists and composers. He is self-taught with a great love and deep knowledge of the jazz tradition which he brings, along with classical references, to his compositions and improvisations. In February 2019 he released his second solo album, Iron into Wind, on the prestigious Intakt label.

Apart from his solo performances, Hawkins works in a vast array of creative contexts including leading and composing for his Quartet and larger ensembles, and is – in addition to this, seen on the Oslo Jazz stage alongside Bushman’s Revenge and Ethio-jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke. For this concert, he will be playing solo piano. You don't want to miss it!

Alexander Hawkins (piano)

Arild Andersen & Henri Texier

The year is 1945 and in Paris and Lillestrøm, two future jazz legends are born: Henri Texier and Arild Andresen. 78 years later, they meet at Oslojazz to play together for the first time.

Ever since 1967, Arild Andersen has been considered one of Norway’s leading jazz bassists. He has played alongside a long list of both Norwegian and international legends, and started his career in Jan Garbarek Quartet with Terje Rypdal and Jon Christensen. During this time he also accompanied the queen of jazz vocals, Karin Krog, and other visiting musicians such as Phil Woods, Dexter Gordon, Hampton Hawes, Johnny Griffin, Sonny Rollins, and Chick Corea.

Also known for his long list of historic and international collaborators, Henri Texier started playing jazz at the age of 15, frequenting various nightclubs as a pianist. He switched to double bass three years later, in order to join the Jef Gilson Big Band. Alongside drummer Daniel Humair, he toured with musicians such as Bud Powell, Donald Byrd, Phil Woods, Dexter Gordon, and Chet Baker in the late 1960s. In the seventies Texier recorded a line of groundbreaking solo albums and these days he mostly plays as part of a trio with his son Sébastien Texier on sax and Gautier Garrigue on drums.

These highly skilled double bass players have had parallel careers in Norway and France for more than 50 years, and were well established on their own jazz scenes before turning 25. Recognised by their songful and bell-like tones, Texier and Andersen have already inspired three new generations of jazz musicians.

This collaboration is not something you would want to miss!

Arild Andersen (double bass), Henri Texier (double bass)

18:00 Alexander Hawkins solo

19:30 Arild Andersen & Henri Texier

17:00 Doors