Jonas Holgersson

Jonas Holgersson, born in 1973, started playing the drums at the age of ten. He was a pupil at the local municipal music school in Kävlinge, studied music at the Senior High School in Malmö and when doing his military service he joined the Army Music Platoon. In 1993 Jonas was elected best musician of the Music Platoon. So it is not so surprising that he went on to the Academy of Music in Örebro and completed his education by studying at The Royal College of Music in Stockholm.

He doesn't know the reason why he started playing jazz and he looks upon himself primarily as a musician and not specifically as a jazz musician. He likes different styles and something that strongly appeals to him in jazz is the acoustic sound and improvisation, which offers endless possibilities.

To Jonas there are many models of drummers and should he mention only a few it would be Elvin Jones, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Adam Nussbaum, Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette and Tony Williams. But of course he also listens to many other musicians, as for example, Dave Holland, Coltrane, Miles, John Taylor, Jarrett, Brecker, Corea… well, there are many.

Guitarist Jojje Wadenius says that Jonas is one of the most exciting musicians to listen to in Sweden. He has all the technique you need without ever making it an end in itself. And Magnus Lindgren, player of reed instruments and arranger and composer as well, says that Jonas is an uncommonly talented drummer who inspires both the audience and his fellow musicians.

So Jonas is a musician in great demand not only because he is a great drummer but also because of his capacity to relate well to different musical situations. Consequently he plays in many constellations. He has worked with several well-known musicians such as Benny Andersson, Palle Danielsson, Jojje Wadenius, Bobo Stenson, Joakim Milder, Magnus Lindgren Quartet and his Big Band, as well as with many singers such as Cæcilie Norby, Jeanette Lindström, Lina Nyberg, Lisa Ekdahl and Rigmor Gustafsson.

In 1999 Jonas Holgersson received the Thore Swanerud scholarship.

"…Jonas Holgersson seems to have mastered the whole register of expression from the late Baby Dodd to the masters of today…" (Borås Newspaper, 11/3 2000).

"At present Jonas is undoubtedly the best jazz drummer in Sweden. Contrary to many other drummers he really' plays' his drums, adapting himself with a sensitive ear to every nuance of the music, constituting an excellent support to his co-musicians, inspiring and urging them on, all the time technically superb." (Smålandsposten 24/3 2000).

Compilation: Charles Gavatin
Translation: Dave Castle

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