Svein Olav Herstad

Born 07.07.69 in Odda in Hardanger (Norway). Pianist.
Elementary, middle school and (music) high school in Haugesund Norway.
Started to play the piano at the age of 8, and soon became interested in jazz music. Played with established jazz musicians already as a 16 year old, among others Terje Venås, Espen Rud and Kåre Garnes. Spent a lot of time listening to pianists like Bud Powell, Tommy Flanagan, Sonny Clark in addition to classical music (Maurice Ravell, Igor Stravinsky). Also inspired by other jazz musicians like Archie Schepp and John Coltrane…

Attended jazz studies at Trondheim Conservatory of Music in the period 1990-93. Worked predominantly there with the traditonal trio format (piano, bass, drums). This still remains his most important format, which has resulted in the trio records:

Dig (1993)

Sommerregn (1997)

Suite for Simmons (2005) (Live) commissioned work

Inventio (2007)

Lived in Oslo from 1996 to 2001. Became in this period  a member of Jan Erik Kongshaug Quartett, which resulted in the records:

The Other World (1998)

All These Years (2003)

Has contributed as a composer for several artists both in Norway and abroad, with single pieces as well as works. Collaborated with several text writers, which has among others has resulted in the records:

Where Dreams Begin (2003)

All records, with exception of Dig and Suite for Simmons, are recorded in RainbowStudio.
Resided in Haugesund from 2001, where he has had an important role in the management of Haugesund Jazzklubb, which was awarded with the Statoil Special Award in 2003.
Has contributed as “sideman” in numerous studio recordings.
Record company: Jazzaway Records