Svein Olav Herstad (born 7 July 1969 in Odda, Norway)^[1] is a jazz pianist, known from his own bands and several recordings with musicians like Sonny Simmons, Jan Erik Kongshaug, Nils-Olav Johansen, Harald Johnsen, and Per Oddvar Johansen.^[2][3]

Career

Herstad studied music at Musikkskolen in Haugesund, and is a graduate from the Jazz program at Trondheim Musikkonsevatorium, (1990–93). He started the band Svein Olav Herstad trio during his studies in Trondheim. With different lineups the band has released a series of albums, performing Herstad's own compositions. After moving to Oslo (1996–2001) he played within Jan Erik Kongshaug's quartet on two albums (1998, 2003).^[2] Living in Haugesund from 2001, he has been engaged with the festival Sildajazz, as well as being a part of the Christina Bjordal Band.

Discography

Solo piano

• 2010: Free the Nightingale (Ponca Jazz)

Svein Olav Herstad Trio (including Magne Thormodsæter and Håkon Mjåset Johansen)

• 2006: Suite for Simmons (Jazzaway), featuring Sonny Simmons live from Festiviteten Hall, Sildajazz in Haugesund (2005), performing a commission in six parts
• 2007: Inventio (Jazzaway Records)^[4]
• 2017: The Ballad Book (Curling Legs)

As leader

• 1993: Dig (Ponca Jazz), within a trio including Harald Johnsen and Torbjørn Engan
• 1997: Sommerregn (Ponca Jazz ), within a trio including Harald Johnsen and Per Oddvar Johansen

Collaborative works

Within Jan Erik Kongshaug trio including Harald Johnsen & Per Oddvar Johansen

• 1998: The Other World (ACT)
• 2003: All These Years (Hot Club)

Within Christina Bjordal Band

• 2003: Where Dreams Begin (EmArcy/Universal)

With Organ Jam

• 2013: Organics (Normann)