Interview with Sweden Jazz saxophonist and composer Håkan Broström. An interview by email in writing. 

JazzBluesNews.com: – What are the experiences of your life that led you to see music as a spiritual endeavor?

Håkan Broström: – Experiences in life, such as having children and saying goodbye to one’s parents, lead to personal growth. In my case, they provide a more spiritual perspective on life and the universe. Additionally, listening to musicians like John Coltrane or Keith Jarrett also deeply influences me.

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JBN: – Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your music?

HB: – Nature is very important to me. I live in a large house in the countryside right by a river, with a forest right on the property. For many years, I have been jogging 7-8 kilometers every other day, and it helps me gain perspective on life and also keep myself in good shape.

JBN: – Where does your creative drive come from?

HB: – I don’t know … it has always been there. I don’t think much about creating something. I just do something that feels very good and meaningful. If I don’t get to do it, I become restless.

JBN: – What are you doing to keep it relevant today, to develop it and present it to the youth?

HB: – I mostly play with musicians between 20 and 35 years old, and it helps me stay active on several levels… in terms of playing, sensing jazz trends, and so on.

JBN: – Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album?

HB: – Regarding the recording, we recorded 17 songs in a single day, which resulted in an album titled ‘Forgotten Memories’ and an EP called ‘Moments for Lovers.’ We prioritized original compositions on the album and focused on standard ballads on the EP.

JBN: – What do you love most about your new album 2023: Håkan Broström – Forgotten Memories, how it was formed and what you are working on today.

HB: – It has been exciting working with the Carl Winther Trio in many ways. One thing that was new for me was how spontaneously they work. We only rehearsed the original songs; I decided on the ballads the day before and brought the sheet music for the others on the recording day.

It’s always a pleasure to play Carl’s compositions. In general, playing with Carl, Johnny, and Anders is a celebration.”At the moment, I’m writing material for a tour with Joey Calderazzo in February. Then we are planning a new recording with Carl’s trio next summer.

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JBN: – Why Forgotten Memories, Do you have or have you had forgotten memories?

HB: – First and foremost, I think it’s a bit of a fun wordplay. But, sure enough, sometimes, small memories surface that you didn’t think were still there. And perhaps they may never return.

JBN: – Did your sound evolve during that time?

HB: – I believe one’s sound is always undergoing some kind of change. Just like one’s own voice. Sometimes for the worse, but hopefully more often for the better.

JBN: – And how did you select the musicians who play on the album? This is your third collaboration with the Carl Winter Trio? Please tell me a little about that.

HB: – I met Carl Winther as early as 2008, and since then, we have had sporadic performances together over the years. But it wasn’t until the drummer of the trio, Anders Mogensen, contacted me in 2021 to record with the trio that the collaboration took off. The trio has also collaborated with saxophonists like Jerry Bergonzi and Walt Weiskopf.

JBN: – What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

HB: – It’s always difficult to pinpoint exactly which highlights have meant the most, but touring in a quartet with musicians like Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Joey Calderazzo has been fantastic, of course. Right now, I feel like it’s a good time in my life. I get to play with a lot of great musicians, and I receive a lot of appreciation from younger musicians.

JBN: – What would you say characterizes Sweden Jazz scene in comparison to other local US scenes and circuits?

HB: – Well, I don’t have a complete grasp of the American jazz scene, but I think it’s quite similar. One thing that differs, however, is that I believe Swedish jazz musicians and jazz clubs have a greater opportunity to receive government grants. This is very significant for the jazz situation in Sweden. In fact, I have never seen so many different places to play jazz in Stockholm as I do now.

JBN: – Do you think there is an audience for young people to become future audiences and fans?

HB: – I truly believe that. There are plenty of exceptionally talented young jazz musicians in Stockholm today, and that means that the interest in jazz among the youth is greater than it has been in many years.

Interview by Simon Sarg

Note: https://jazzbluesnews.com/2023/03/19/useu-jazz-blues-association-festivals/ You can express your consent and join our association, which will give you the opportunity to perform at our Jazz and Blues festivals, naturally receiving an appropriate royalty. We cover all expenses. The objectives of the interview are: How to introduce yourself, your activities, thoughts and intellect, and make new discoveries for our US/EU Jazz & Blues Association, which organizes festivals, concerts and meetings in Boston and various European countries, why not for you too!! You can read more about the association here. https://jazzbluesnews.com/2022/11/19/useujba/