Latest Release
- MAY 26, 2023
- 13 Songs
- Discourses · 2020
- Mythscapes · 1995
- The Adventures of a Polar Expedition · 2010
- Siwan · 2009
- The Door · 2008
- Siwan - Hafla · 2022
- Discourses · 2020
- The Adventures of a Polar Expedition · 2010
- Statements · 2005
- Book of Velocities · 2007
- 2023
- 2022
- 2020
- 2017
- 2016
- 2011
- 2009
Singles & EPs
- 2020
Compilations
About Jon Balke
Norwegian pianist and composer Jon Balke is an avant-garde-leaning musician with a bent toward mixing stylistic influences, including contemporary jazz, post-bop, rock, folk, world, and classical. Balke has worked on numerous musical projects across Europe, Africa, India, and the U.S. During the early 1980s, he established a reputation as a composer, writing for theatrical productions, art exhibitions, and chamber groups while composing extensively for jazz groups ranging from small ensembles to big bands -- often unorthodox with their instrumentation. His eight-piece Magnetic North Orchestra existed between 1992's Further and 2004's Diverted Travels. Its uncommon instrumentation: three string players, two trumpets, two saxophones, and keyboards -- sets them apart. Since 2005's Statements he has also led the percussion-based outfit Batagraf, whose Delights of Decay appeared in 2015. He also leads Siwan, an international ethnic music ensemble. Their albums include a prize-winning self-titled debut in 2009, 2017's Nahnou Houm, and 2022's Hafla.
- HOMETOWN
- Furnes, Norway
- BORN
- June 7, 1955
- GENRE
- Jazz