18/01/2025
We are very sad to learn that violinist Kristian Jørgensen has passed away. Kristian Jørgensen was an outstanding jazz violinist, and when he played up to his best, he was second to none. His amazing instrumental agility added something special to his collaborations. The listening pleasure was only enhanced by the ease and playful humor, which was one of Kristian Jørgensen’s finest trademarks.
Jørgensen began playing violin at the age of nine. When he was twelve, he formed the local jazz band Gadevang Swing Central. His group of child prodigies caused a bit of a stir resulting in several radio and television appearances. In 1983, at the ripe age of 16, he received the jazz award Sørens Penge, and the same year he recorded with pianist Duke Jordan. Since then, he has worked with most people on the Danish jazz scene. His open mind and technical skills made it natural for him to work in the borderline of jazz, and consequently he was a founding member of the Tango Orkesteret (Stunt Records), with whom he has recorded numerous CDs, and the gypsy group Donau Swing. He has received Denmark’s two most prestigious jazz awards, The Ben Webster Award and the JASA Award. His CD releases include four in his own name for Stunt Records, KRISTIAN JØRGENSEN QUARTET (1993), SECRET LOVE (trio, 1997), MEETING MONTY (quartet featuring pianist Monty Alexander) and LOVE LETTERS (2009) and as a featured artist on Dorado Schmitt Quintette’s CLAIR DE LUNE (2018)
