Harri Sjöström

Life and career

Harri studied saxophone with Harry Mann, Leo Wright and Steve Lacy. He also studied photography and film at the Lone Mountain College in San Francisco Art Institute from 1974 - 1978. He attended the special class for improvisation at the L.M.C. led by trombonist Johannes Mager.

After leaving the U.S., Harri moved to Vienna, Austria, which became his doorway to the European improvised music scene. Harri formed his first improvising groups and organised numerous projects in Finland and elsewhere. Brought many of the most notable innovators on the international improvisation scene to Finland. One of his early projects included a tour with Derek Bailey's "Company" which was their first in Finland. Harri moved to Berlin in 1985.

In 1990, Harri met Cecil Taylor in Berlin and has been involved in a large number of projects with the legendary pianist and composer since.

Harri founded the international ‘QUINTET MODERNE’ and co-founded ‘THE PLAYER IS’ trio with Teppo Hauta-Aho and Philipp Wachsmann. There's also the Bernhard Arndt / Harri Sjöström duo, which goes back to 1986. Between 1993–'95 Sjöström played with Stephan Mathieu and Olaf Rupp in a trio as ‘HAIR PIE’, occasionally joining powers with Teppo Hauta-Aho or Bernhard Arnd. His newly formed group is called ‘THREE METER DOG’ with, among others, drummer and percussionist Tony Buck and pianist Bernhard Arndt. The very latest formation ‘WAIT’ is formed in 2005.

Harri also performs solo and is involved with making film-music.

Sjöström has recorded and performed with many musicians, including Cecil Taylor, Evan Parker, Paul Lovens, Tristan Honsinger and Teppo Hauta-Aho.

Discography