Biography

Kristian Jørgensen, Danish jazz violin player, born 1967

Brought up in a musicians family, Kristian Jørgensen started playing violin at the age of 8. At the age of 15 he recorded with world famous pianist Duke Jordan and received his first jazz award “Sørens Money”.
Since then Kristian has played with almost all important jazz artists in Denmark, and foreign stars like Monty Alexander, Kirk Lightsey, Lars Jansson, Severi Pyysalo, Andreas Öberg a.o. Graduated in 1992 from The Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen where he is now giving lessons.

Leader of his own band, Kristian Jørgensen Quartet and a key member of legendary Tango Orkestret that plays the music of Astor Piazzolla. Kristian also plays regularly in a trio with guitarist Paul Banks and accordion player Thor Backhausen.

Kristian has had 5 solo albums out, among them "Meeting Monty” with American/ Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander on Stunt Records.
Further more he can be heard on several recordings with Tango Orkestret.

Kristian Jørgensen carries on the great tradition of Danish jazz violin, that began with Svend Asmussen, and is to be reckoned as among the world top players of today.
His great musical versatility makes him feel comfortable, whether it is modern or swing/mainstream jazz, and his hard swinging violin shows many influences from eg Toots Thielemans, Lester Young, Charlie Parker and Stuff Smith.His versatility has taken him far and made him popular in other genres than jazz. Just as he is in demand as a teacher / motivator within the "rhythmic violin"

Kristian Jørgensen has received the following recognitions:

Ben Webster Prize

JASA Prize

"Sørens Penge"

Karrebæksminde Jazz Festival Price

Einar Høyvanlds Foundation Scholarship

“Trommen” Culture Award - along with Tangoorkestret

CD´s as a band leader:

1. •“Kristian Jørgensen Kvartet”
   (Sundance 1994)
   

2. •“Secret Love”
   (Sundance 1997)
   

3. •“Duets” m. Jacob Fischer
   (Music Mecca 2000)
   

4. •“Meeting Monty” med Monty Alexander, piano
   (Sundance 2001)
   

5. •Love Letters”
   (Sundance 2009)
   

Kristian Jorgensen can be heard on numerous CDs / DVDs with Tango Orkestret, Paul Banks, Donau Swing, Fredrik Lundin, Mona Larsen, Duke Jordan, Simon Spang Hanssen, St. Annæ Girls Choir, Jacob Haugaard, Trine Dyrholm, Thomas Kjellerup, Brødrene Lund Madsen , Klovn the movie, Super Classico , Jungledyret Hugo, Cykelmyggen Egon, Fessor Lindgreen, Miriam Mursal Djanzz, Peter Rosendal, DR "Selvsving", "Krøniken" and others.

Kristian Jørgensen has also appeared in theatrical performances at the Danish Royal Theatre, Bellevue Theater, Betty Nansen, Østre Gasværk and Aarhus Theatre.