Sven-Åke Johansson (1943-2025)

[clifford_thornton]

Sad news, confirmed by John Corbett, that the drummer, accordionist, sound artist, and painter Sven-Åke Johansson has passed after a long illness. Born in Sweden and based in Berlin, his work as a bandleader, solo performer, and collaborator with such figures as Alexander von Schlippenbach, Per Henrik Wallin, Alfred 23 Harth (EMT), Peter Brötzmann, Manfred Schoof, Rüdiger Carl, Mats Gustafsson, Axel Dörner, and others is well worth investigating. Sadly I never got to see him perform but the recordings have enriched my life immensely. RIP.

[AndreyHenkin]

Seeing him in Sweden in a solo concert, during which he played pieces of cardboard and sliced cucumbers on his cymbals, is one of my fondest live memories.

Edited June 16 by AndreyHenkin

[mjazzg]

How I regret not making it to his Oto residency but as Clifford says above the recordings are many and always rewarding.

[clifford_thornton]

1 hour ago, AndreyHenkin said:

Seeing him in Sweden in a solo concert, during which he played pieces of cardboard and sliced cucumbers on his cymbals, is one of my fondest live memories.

I remember you telling me about that. So far I'm not seeing a birth date, just 1943... hopefully that can be amended at some point.

[optatio]

R.I.P. ...

[Rabshakeh]

Sad news. 

[Holy Ghost]

Glad to have this goodie on CD.  RIP!

[Steve Reynolds]

His most recent recordings are incredible

end of life magic 

Rotations + with Franz Hautzinger & Ignaz Shick / recorded in 2023

Stumps a quintet which includes Joel Grip & Axel Doerner / recorded in 2022

both released in January of this year

Two of the most creative & wonderful recordings I’ve newly heard over the past few years

RIP to a grand master 

[Pim]

Rest in peace.