For several years, Bjorn Thoroddsen has been one of Iceland’s leading jazz guitarists and has released a number of critically acclaimed albums. He has won several Icelandic music awards, including “Jazz Performer of the Year” in 2003. Bjorn’s interest in guitars and music developed from an early age. On completing his training in Iceland he continued his studies in Los Angeles where he graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology.
Originally a rock musician, his attention was soon turned towards jazz, where it has remained to this day. He performs both as a solo artist and as a member in several bands, including Cold Front with Canada’s Richard Gillis and America’s Steve Kirby, and the popular Icelandic band Guitar Islancio, which had the honor of being the first Icelandic jazz group to have a gold certificate album, and continues to entertain both native Icelanders and international audiences.
Bjorn has also collaborated with jazz musicians such as Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Nigel Kennedy, Kazumi Watanabe, Ole Kock Hansen, Mads Vinding, Alex Riel, Ulf Wakaineus, Robin Nolan, Philip Catherine, Didier Lockwood, Sylvain Luc, Jørgen Svare, James Carter, Larry Coryell, Leni Stern, Ben Perowsky, Duane Andrews, Doug Raney and many others.
Here are upcoming North America tour dates and links to more information:
Canada: June 17-21, 2012
June 17 – Art Gallery Winnipeg
June 18 – TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival with Morgana’s Revenge
June 20 – Le Garage with Tim Butler Blues Band
June 21 – Winnipeg International Jazz Festival with The High School Honour Jazz Bands
United States: June 26-30, 2012
June 26 – Swedish House, Washington, DC
June 28 – Rochester Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY
June 29 – Twins Jazz, Washington, DC
June 30 – 40 West Djangofolies, Washington, DC
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