Arnstein Johansen


Arnstein Johansen was a Norwegian accordionist that played jazz and old-fashioned dances. He became well-known through his recordings and his international collaboration.

Life

Johansen was born in Fredrikstad. He studied under Ottar E. Akre, Thorleif Ekren, and Gunnar Sønstevold, and also at the Norwegian Academy of Music. After the Second World War, he played in a duet with Rolf Andersen, and then spent time in the United States, playing with Pietro Frosini, Guido Deiro, and Anthony Galla-Rini.
He released a number of albums as a solo artist and with the Arnstein Johansen Quartet, later quintet: Gammeldans, Hæla i taket, A.J.'s freskeste, I ring og feiende sving, Evergreens, Tea for Two, Crazy Rhythm, Out of Nowhere, and Too Late Now. He also played with Sverre Cornelius Lund and participated in releases with Alf Prøysen and others.
Johansen composed well-known pieces such as "Cornelli polka," "Vals in C", and "Førdeminner". He was an honorary member of the Norwegian Accordionists' Association and various local associations such as the Mo Accordionists' Club.
Johansen died at the age of 88 and was laid to rest at the church in Haslum in Bærum, Norway.

Discography

With Sverre Cornelius Lund