about

UK-based, Norwegian-born drummer Emil Karlsen has, in recent years, emerged as an in-demand figure on the improvised music scene, collaborating with Philipp Wachsmann, John Butcher, Dominic Lash, Phil Durrant, John Edwards, and Maggie Nicols, among others. Described as “a real force on the UK improvised music scene,” his practice explores the timbral possibilities of the drum kit in both improvised and composed situations. His work is documented on labels including Relative Pitch, 577, and Confront Recordings, and he is also a key member 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

Endlessly creative - Dominic Rivron, International Times


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