Jazz music on the radio in Sweden

Jazz music has found a strong following in Sweden, with a vibrant scene of musicians and venues in cities throughout the country. The genre has evolved over the decades, incorporating everything from traditional New Orleans-style jazz to fusion, avant-garde, and electronica. Some of the most popular jazz artists in Sweden include Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Jan Johansson, Alice Babs, and Nisse Sandström. Esbjörn Svensson Trio, also known as EST, is perhaps the most well-known Swedish jazz group. They gained international recognition with their innovative take on jazz, blending elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. Tragically, founder and pianist Esbjörn Svensson died in 2008, but the group's legacy has continued to influence modern jazz music. Jan Johansson is another influential figure in Swedish jazz. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of the "jazz på svenska" movement, which involved reimagining popular Swedish folk songs in a jazz context. His album "Jazz på svenska" became the best-selling jazz record in Swedish history. Alice Babs was a beloved singer who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. She had a voice that was both playful and soulful, and her collaborations with Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman helped popularize jazz in Sweden. Nisse Sandström is a saxophonist and composer who has been active since the 1970s. He has played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and McCoy Tyner. Sandström has also worked with Swedish artists outside of the jazz genre, such as ABBA and Roxette. Several radio stations in Sweden cater to jazz lovers. One such station is Radio Viking, which plays jazz, blues, and swing music from the 1920s to the present day. P2 Jazzkatten is another popular radio station that broadcasts jazz music 24 hours a day. Jazz lovers in Sweden also have access to a variety of jazz festivals, including the Stockholm Jazz Festival, which has been running since 1980. Overall, jazz music in Sweden continues to thrive, with a diverse range of talented artists and lively venues offering something for every taste. Whether you are a longtime jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer to the genre, there is no shortage of great music to discover in Sweden.