Jan Kaspersen

b. 22 April 1948, Copenhagen, Denmark. Composer and pianist Kaspersen’s wry, quirky tunes reveal the influences of Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver and Abdullah Ibrahim, who, under the name of Dollar Brand, played regularly at the jazzhouse Montmartre in Copenhagen 1963/4. All have strong roots in Black church music and this may account for Kaspersen’s attraction to the funky aspects of American jazz. Kaspersen’s composition and playing never descend to mere pastiche or antiquarian seriousness but display a touch of ironic humour that appeals to both head and feet. Kaspersen has written for the Danish Radio Big Band, for theatre, and performed with poets. He regularly records with his own ensembles, large or small.