OLAV DALE IN MEMORIAM

Olav Dale (1958-2014) was the founder and first artistic director of Bergen Big Band until he sadly passed away in 2014 aged just 55. Olav was a highly esteemed and successful jazz musician, band leader, organizer and fellow human being who left us far too soon.

As an inspirational musician, Olav will be remembered first and foremost as the musical director of Bergen Big Band (BBB). Since its establishment in 1991 BBB was Olav's main musical devotion. Over the course of 23 years Olav has cleverly and with much insight, developed BBB into one of Europe's foremost professional big bands. Olav used his large international network to create exciting projects both locally and internationally. He was adamant that the musicians within the band should be able to tackle every musical challenge. He was unrelenting in his quest in forming BBB into a musical juggernaut.

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Olav guided BBB to a number of musical highlights including collaborations with Phil Woods, Joe Henderson, Maria Schneider, Paquito D'Rivera, Diana Krall, Andy Sheppard, Martial Solal, Dino Zaluzzi, and Lars Jansson - as well as John Surman and Karin Krog, which resulted in the beautiful release Seagull in 2005. In 2009 BBB and Terje Rypdal recorded Terje´s commissioned work Crime Scene live at Nattjazz. This recording was consequently released on ECM the following year and performed at 16 jazz festivals throughout Europe and North America. As lead alto saxophone, Olav’s presence, energy and unmistakable alto sax sound was an integral part of BBB’s identity.

Olav devoted his life to musical communication and teaching. He loved playing for and together with children and young people. He was a brilliant musical communicator and storyteller. His flamboyance and genuity shined when he could share his knowledge and joy of playing. There are many young musicians, students and colleagues who have benefited from Olav's command and devotion to music.

We feel humble and grateful for having had the honour and privilege of knowing and working together with Olav and his endless capacity for giving. We miss his witty comments, direct speech and warm concern he showed for everyone. Olav was professional to the tips of his fingers - decent, clear, vigorous and solution-oriented in every situation. "We'll get this done!" was his mantra. BBB will do its best to carry on the legacy of Olav, running and developing the band in honour of Olav’s visions and tireless optimistic spirit.

Olav is remembered with respect and love.