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Swedish Saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist Profiled at AAJ

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Karl-Martin Almqvist
In his native Sweden they call big, bearded Karl-Martin Almqvist “The Bear." He's one the best of the current crop of jazz saxophonists there.

Critics even make comparisons with Lars Gullin, the legendary reedman who gave Swedish jazz its own, highly distinctive voice. “I would love to be able to say Gullin was my first influence," Almqvist responds ruefully. “But actually, you know, it was Dexter Gordon. He was the first tenor player that really did it for me."

Almqvist is back in Stockholm after rehearsals in the west coast city of Gothenburg for a concert of Gullin's music by the Bohuslan Big Band. He's been 'depping' for Ove Ingmarsson, the band's regular tenor man, who's on sick leave. “Great charts," says Almqvist, shaking his head in disbelief, “Just amazing."

The concert was to mark what would have been baritone player Gullin's 80th birthday had he not died in 1976, aged only 48, body and career wasted by years of drug misuse.

Chris Mosey's profile of Almqvist sheds light on a musician who, though a giant in his own country, deserves greater recognition elsewhere. To find out more about this compelling saxophonist, check out Karl-Martin Almqvist: Sweden's “Bear" Digs for Roots at AAJ today!

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