about

Emil Karlsen is a Norwegian improvising drummer currently based in the UK. Described as a “a real force on the UK improvised music scene”, he’s establishing himself working the span from free improvisation to free jazz. Occupied with the exploring timbral possibilities of the drum kit, he performs with Philipp Wachsmann, John Butcher, Phil Durrant and Maggie Nicols to mention some. Apart from being an active performer he’s central in the revitalisation of the historic Bead Records.

press

A real force on the UK improvised music scene - Tony Dudley Evans


Extraordinary sensitivity and restraint that successfully avoids the more obvious clichés of free playing - Daniel Spicer (Jazzwise)


Significant addition to the UK free jazz scene - Ian Mann (The Jazzmann)


Coming from an established tradition of ‘free’ playing, Karlsen is not content to incorporate or simply build on what has gone before, but is more intent on finding his own identity (…) - Nick Lea (Jazzviews)


An inherently ‘musical’ drummer whose playing has elicited comparisons with such greats as Elvin Jones, John Stevens and Rashied Ali - Ian Mann (The Jazzmann)


Exceptional free jazz / improv drummer - Jazz Nedeljom