Joakim Rolandsson
Saxophone & woodwinds
Born in 1973 and raised in Uddevalla, Sweden. Like so many others, Joakim Rolandsson began his musical journey by playing the recorder at the age of seven. He attended the music program in high school and has since studied at Fridhem Folk High School and at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg. For many years he has also worked as a freelance musician.
Three questions for Joakim Rolandsson
What are your musical inspirations?
– I’m inspired by music from different genres that moves me. Some of my various sources of inspiration and role models are Johnny Hodges for sound and soul, Wayne Shorter for sound and magic, Miles Davis for sound and total presence, and James Brown for sound and groove, and Joni Mitchell for sound and brilliance.
How long have you played in the Bohuslän Big Band?
– Since 2008, so for over 15 years.
What is your best memory with Bohuslän Big Band?
– There are many occasions – but the common thread is really those times when we manage to create something magical together and at the same time get the chance to move people with it. A strong memory is when we played with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow in Germany. Newly written music by Carla for the big band, with a German boys’ choir behind us and 3,000 people in the audience. Fantastic music and a magical memory!