Eivind Aarset

Eivind Aarset is a Norwegian guitarist whose style is often associated with that of nu jazz as his performing, improvising and albums feature a strong 21st century electronic influence. He is considered to be one of the unique re-interpretations of what the role and sound of the electric guitarist can be.

Like many guitarists of his generation Eivind Aarset (born 1961 in Drøbak, Norway) was first influenced by rock players, Jimi Hendrix above all. By the mid-1970s electric jazz caught his attention, especially Miles Davis’s “Agharta” album with the fiercely-distorted lead guitar of Pete Cosey raging around Miles electric trumpet. Aarset was also listening to ECM’s early albums, especially those of Terje Rypdal and Jan Garbarek.