Setting funky jazz trends and moods

By Charles Otieno

Swedish trombone player Nils Landgren will next Tuesday entertain jazz fans at the newly refurbished Louis Leakey Auditorium, National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi. The multi-talented musician and his Funk Unit will perform live for charity in support of Medecins Sans Frontieres projects in Kibera on September 22. Nils has produced over 20 albums and has participated in over 500 recordings. Since 1992, he has been playing with his band, the The Nils Landgren Funk Unit. Tickets for the show are on sale now at Sh700 (advance) Sh1,000 at the door. He blends jazz with funk and the occasional pop/R&B vocals. He has been involved in a variety of music styles and projects that include jazz, rock, soul, hip-hop, big band’s, studio sessions.

Nils has worked with musical legends such as Wyclef Jean who featured him in solo album, Carnival. Others include pop stars ABBA, The Crusaders, Eddie Harris, Bernard `Pretty¥ Purdie and Herbie Hancock.

Born in 1956, Landgren started playing drums at the age of six as his childhood was shaped with church music and jazz. His father brought US Jazz in the house while his grandfather was a preacher.

At 13 he laid his hands and lips on the trombone and was hooked for life. And between 1972 and 1978 Landgren studied classical trombone at the music college and at the university. After his graduation Nils moved to Stockholm to work as a professional trombone player.

 

 

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