Jon Balke

Norwegian pianist, bandleader, and composer Jon Balke mixes stylistic influences ranging from contemporary jazz, post-bop, and rock to folk, world, and classical. Balke has worked throughout Europe, Africa, India, and the U.S. During the early 1980s, he composed for theatrical productions, art exhibitions, and chamber groups, while simultaneously composing for jazz ensembles of all sizes. His eight-piece Magnetic North Orchestra existed between 1992's Further and 2004's Diverted Travels. Its uncommon instrumentation -- three strings, two trumpets, two saxophones, and keyboards...