Lars Sjösten

Who was Lars Sjösten?

Lars Sjösten was a Swedish jazz pianist.

Sjösten was born in Oskarshamn. During the 1960s, he often worked at the world famous jazz restaurant The Golden Circle in Stockholm. He played with many jazz greats like Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer and Bernt Rosengren.

Lars also played in Lars Gullin's groups - the great Swedish baritone saxophonist and composer. He became a close friend of Gullin's and their cooperation has meant a lot to Sjösten's own music-making. In 1997 he was given the Lars Gullin Prize for the first time, for his of many years deserving way of exercising the musical heritage of Lars Gullin.

Through the years, Sjösten led his own groups and also freelanced. He made many recordings and received public response as well as governmental support. His tours have taken him to metropolises like Paris, Moscow, Vittoria da Praia and Emmaboda. Lars is also an established composer with a flair for strong melodies and beautiful chords.