Daniel Herskedal

Daniel Herskedal is a musician and composer of extraordinary ability who is pushing the boundaries of his instrument to the limit.

Daniel Herskedal is the enigmatic master of sound and sonorous beauty. His music ebbs and flows with utter grace and poise, perfectly fusing the spirit of jazz with the compositional craft of classical music. Seldom do you hear a musician with such depth, emotive intensity and virtuosity shine who is simultaneously pushing the boundaries of his instrument to the limit.

The influence of multiple genres is evident in the songs but it’s the space, the capture, the quality of sound and the true brilliance of its simplicity that impresses most. Combine that with what kind of sounds he can make out of a tuba and it blows your mind.

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“The Norwegian tuba player Daniel Herskedal can, without hesitation, be described as exceptional". Concerto Magazine

“Though there is a grand, cinematic quality to these melodic tunes, Herskedal has the poet’s feel for nuance, resulting in ravishing harmonics, infectious rhythmic mantras, and atmospheric textures. An impressive work from a singular musician, the tuba has never sounded this cool.” ALL ABOUT JAZZ

“Among our most important musical shocks of 2020. A marvel of depth, breadth of sound, emotional intensity and virtuosity by an artist who pushes the limits of his instrument.” Citizenjazz

"A stunning score from the jazz composer Daniel Herskedal” The New York Times

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The Norwegian composer and musician is celebrated for his unique blend of sonorous beauty and sound mastery. With a style that fluidly navigates between the realms of jazz and classical composition, Herskedal stands out for his emotive intensity, virtuosity, and an unparalleled ability to push his instruments, particularly the tuba, to their limits. His talent for crafting cinematic landscapes in music is evident in his elemental trilogy of albums – ‘Slow Eastbound Train,’ ‘The Roc,’ and ‘Voyage.’ This cinematic flair has also led him to contribute stunning arrangements for film soundtracks, notably his arrangement of “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” for the 2019 film “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” produced by Brad Pitt, and later used in Coca Cola’s ‘Open Like Never Before’ global advertising campaign.

Herskedal’s extensive work includes commissions and performances with prestigious groups like the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Norwegian Navy Band, and collaborations with the Russian Patriarchate Choir of Moscow. His collaborative project with Marja Mortensson won them the Norwegian Grammy in 2019. In 2021, he further solidified his reputation by winning The Ambies Award for Best Original Score and Music Supervision for the podcast 9/12.

Renowned for his melodic resonance and dynamic compositions, Herskedal’s music is alive with breath and vitality. His latest album, ‘A Single Sunbeam,’ is a testament to his evolving artistry. This album, featuring collaborations with Marja Mortensson on vocals, Ola Kvernberg with strings and electronics, and Helge Andreas Norbakken on drums, represents Herskedal’s most ambient work to date. It establishes a profound connection with the sound of his previous album, ‘Call for Winter,’ expanding upon its themes and styles. ‘A Single Sunbeam’ showcases Herskedal’s gift for layering tuba and bass trumpet, creating a mesmerising and sublimely beautiful soundscape that has earned high praise and admiration from both fans and critics commending the album for its grand, cinematic quality, nuanced harmonics, and atmospheric textures.

Line Up Solo

Daniel Herskedal tuba, bass trumpet

Line Up Trio

Daniel Herskedal tuba & bass trumpet
Eyolf Dale piano
Helge Andreas Norbakken percussion