Christiania 12

Christiania 12 from Oslo/Norway, is a 12-piece band dedicated to playing the early big band material from the 1920's and-30's. The band was formed in 1992, on the occasion of an award concert for the New Orleans Workshop, a jazz club that has been the home ground for traditional jazz in Oslo since 1972. The members of the 7-piece Christiania Jazz Band invited 5 more musicians to join in with that concert in mind, and afterwards we just agreed to keep going! Musicians/Members: Anders Bjørnstad (born 1947, trumpet), a very gifted musician who made an auspicious jazz debut at the age of 12. He has been a member of the Christiania Jazz Band and the Magnolia Jazz Band since the middle 1970's. Per Borthen ( born 1940, trumpet) Since 1967, he has been in charge of his 8-piece swing/mainstream band, the Per Borthen Swing Department Ltd. Tore Jensen (born 1935, trumpet), has been co-leading the Stokstad/Jensen Trad Band since 1962. In 1984, he received the prestigious Buddy Award from the Norwegian Jazz Federation. Totti Bergh (born 1935, tenor sax, soprano sax), has recorded under his own name with international jazz greats like Al Cohn, Plas Johnson and Major Holley.Received the Buddy Award in 1999. Peter Opsvik (born1939, alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet), a gifted multi-instrumentalist and member of Christiania Jazz Band ever since it was founded in 1970. Øistein Isachsen (born 1946, clarinet and alto sax), a classically trained musician with a passion for New Orleans Jazz. Leads his Odeon Jazz Quartet, a group that plays both New Orleans and Caribbean music. Ola Rønnow (born 1952, trombone) A classically trained musician with a keen interest in vintage big band jazz. He currently works in the Orchestra of the Norwegian Opera. Aage Teigen (born 1944, trombone) Active in jazz since the early 60-ies, and member of Christiania Jazz Band. In 1986 he founded the Oslo Jazz Festival, and remained leader of the festival until 2007. Arild Berger (born 1941, piano) A very versatile musician who can adapt to many styles of jazz. He also plays in the Big Chief Jazz Band, Norway`s oldest jazz unit, founded in 1952. Børre Frydenlund (born 1950, banjo, guitar, vocals) Børre has been playing his banjo since 1965, and we all wonder what it takes to make him stop. Bjørn Olufsen (born 1960, drums) The youngest member, which is not a great feat, considering the competition. A very sought-after drummer, who always has a smile on his face. Svein Otto Aarbostad (born 1958, string bass) An excellent rhythm musician, steeped in the Pops Foster/ Wellman Braud tradition. A walking jazz encyclopedia with a surrealistic sense of humor.a