Kasper Tom

 

06.12.2024
Recent releases

Check out my three most recent releases with three different bands!

Kasper Tom / Asger Nissen / Thorbjørn Stefansson - Introducing Tom Nissen TB (Barefoot Records, Dec 2024)

Mahall / Rupp / Tom - Live in Stockholm (Audiosemantics, Feb 2024)
https://audiosemantics.bandcamp.com/album/mahall-rupp-tom-live-in-stockholm

Meinild / Anderskov / Tom - Spectral Entranglements (Barefoot Records, Nov 2023)

07.12.2022
FUSK - Absurd Enthusiasm release

FUSK celebrates 15 years in existence with the 5th release "Absurd Enthusiasm". To be released digitally and on CD + LP December 16th 2022. (LP's are late - obviously!)
https://whyplayjazz.de/releases/WPJ060
Line-up
Kasper Tom Christiansen (dr, comp), Tomasz Dąbrowski (trp), Andreas Lang (b), Rudi Mahall (cl, bcl)
Cover fotos by Kristoffer Juel Poulsen. Recorded, mixed and mastered March 2022 by Tito Knapp at Tito’s Zentrifuge, Berlin, Germany.
Produced by Kasper Tom Christiansen for WhyPlayJazz
WhyPlayJazz Gramex Statens Kunstfond Dansk Kapelmesterforening JazzDanmark Svendborg Kommune Koda

21.09.2022
FUSK: new release and tour

I will release the 5th album with my quartet FUSK this fall. The album is called Absurd Enthusiasm and features the band playing live in the studio after completing a concert tour in the spring of 2022. Leading up to the release I will release two videos from the studio recording. Stay tuned! We also have a tour of 10 shows coming up in October 2022 (see "Concerts" for detalils) The tour is supported by JazzDanmark - thank you!

25.03.2020
Spotify playlist

I created a Spotify playlist with some of my music, have a listen!

12.09.2019
Kasper Tom/Alexander von Schlippenbach/Rudi Mahall tour

We have a short tour coming up with the trio Kasper Tom/Alexander von Schlippenbach/Rudi Mahall.
We will be performing here:
September 18th @ YokoClub, Hamburg https://www.facebook.com/events/367683194129829/
September 20th @ Kühlspot, Berlin https://kuehlspot.com/index.html
September 21st @ http://www.plusetage.nl/Programma/

Thanks to JazzDanmark for support

25.05.2019
Two new releases

I am happy to announce two very different releases will be out late June 2019.

One with the trio of Olaf Rupp, Rudi Mahall and myself + one with Richard Andersson's Immergrün featuring the amazing german horn players Rudi Mahall and Henrik Walsdorff!

Stay tuned for more info.

07.07.2018
Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2018

Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2018 is on! Here is my schedule:

8/7 20h Tomasz Dabrowski's Free4arts @ Koncertkirken (Tomasz Dabrowski, Lukasz Borowicki, Sven Meinild)

11/7 15h30 Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall @ H15 / Barefoot Records
11/7 23h FUSK @ H15 / Barefoot Records (Rudi Mahall, Tomasz Dabrowski, Andreas Lang)

12/7 20h Mads la Cour's Almugi @ Kvarterhuset/Amagerbro Jazz (Mads la Cour, Lars Greve, Andreas Lang)
12/7 21h30 Richard Anderson's Immergrün @ Bådteatret (Rudi Mahall, Henrik Walsdorff, Richard Andersson)

13/7 16h Richard Andersson's Immergrün m. Tante Andante @ Havnepakhuset Amager
13/7 20 Richard Andersson's Immergrün @ Havnepakhuset Dragør

14/7 13h Richard Andersson's Immergrün @ Tårnby Bibliotek
14/7 20h Mahall/Walsdorff/Andersson/Tom @ H15 / Barefoot Records

15/7 20h Immergrün @ Gaarden og Gaden
15/7 23h BIGFOOT @ H15 / Barefoot Records

Come by and say hi!

27.04.2018
New release with FUSK

The Jig Is Up by FUSK is out on WhyPlayJazz!
Check it out here: https://whyplayjazz.de/releases/WPJ043

https://www.facebook.com/whyplayjazz/videos/10160407686510249/

"FUSK is 100% contemporary jazz, catapulted forward by the creative ingenuity of the band members; these are players who have something to say! The music is intensive, joyous. It grabs you, as it expands out of its musical roots and takes off and into the open air."
- Ulrich Steinmetzger

29.05.2017
Copenhagen Jazzfestival and Aarhus Jazzfestival 2017

My schedule for the Copenhagen and Aarhus Jazzfestivals is now updated under "concerts".
I am thrilled to be performing this year alongside Alexander von Schlipenbach, Rudi Mahall, Andreas Lang, Tomasz Dabrowski, Artur Tuznik, Jacob Anderskov, Marek Kadziela, Simon Krebs, Tomasz Licak, Sven Meinild, Richard Andersson, Jens Bang, Brice Soniano, Cesar Joaniquet, Christian vuust and Jens Mikkel Madsen!
Can't wait - see you out there!

http://kaspertom.com/#/concerts

14.03.2017
Kasper Tom/Alexander von Schlippenbach/Rudi Mahall tour and release

This summer the record "Abstract Window" by Kasper Tom/Alexander von Schlippenbach/Rudi Mahall will be released on WhyPlayJazz! This March we will be on tour in Denmark, Germany, Poland and Norway:
Mar 21, 2017 - Aalborg, DK @ Huset/Danish Vaishyas
Mar 22, 2017 - Fredericia, DK @ Tøjhuset
Mar 23, 2017 - Copenhagen, DK @ Koncertkirken/Skræp
Mar 24, 2017 - Berlin, DE @ Sowieso
Mar 25, 2017 - Berlin, DE @ Sowieso (Mahall/Rupp/Tom)
Mar 26, 2017 - Sopot, PL @ Teatr Boto (Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall)
Mar 27, 2017 - Koszalin, PL @ Z Innej Beczki (Kasaper Tom/Rudi Mahall
Mar 28, 2017 - Oslo, NO @ Cafe Mir

20.10.2016
New trio

The trio of legendary pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach, clarinetist Rudi Mahall and drummer Kasper Tom will be performing in Berlin October 14+15 before going into the studio to record their debut album. As a tag, the trio will perform in Istanbul, Turkey on October 20th.

06.09.2016
Debut release by Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall

One man's trash is another man's treasure (BFREC050CD) was released July 4th 2016 by Barefoot Records.

After numerous acclaimed releases together in various groups, Rudi Mahall and Kasper Tom team up for a duo recording that features 9 intriguing pieces.

http://barefoot-records.com/new-release-kasper-tom-rudi-mahall-one-mans-trash-is-another-mans-treasure/

18.06.2016
New release by KRAN!

The polish-danish collaboration KRAN has released "The Zombie Chords" on the polish label For Tune Records. The CD features 7 tunes composed by the the band members.
Tomasz Licak, sax
Marek Kadziela, guitar
Richard Andersson, bass
Kasper Tom, drums

28.05.2016
One man's trash is another man's treasure

I am thrilled to announce that "One man's trash is another man's treasure" is out on Barefoot Records July 4th 2016!
This is a duo collaboration between clarinet giant Rudi Mahall and drummer Kasper Tom.
Here's the track "Halbes Publikum:

28.03.2016
Kasper Tom 5 reviewed in The New York City Jazz Record

Great review of "I do admire things that are only what they are" by Ken Waxman in The New York City Record!
He writes: "This high-energy CD by Danish drummer Kasper Tom shows why, despite recent troubles, the EU isn't likely to dissolve...there isn't much chance that Tom will become an EU civil servant, but by creating compositions whose shape and resolution reflects pan-Europeanism, he's advanced good politics as well as good music".
Thank you Jens, Tomasz, Petter and Rudi!

Listen to 2 tunes here:
https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/…/kasper-tom-5-i-do-admire

15.03.2016
Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall

I'm happy to announce that the duo of Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall will be releasing the CD: "One man's trash is another man's treasure" on Barefoot Records http://barefoot-records.com/ on July 4th 2016. We will be performing at this year's Copenhagen Jazzfestival.

Stay tuned for more info!

08.02.2016
Kasper Tom 5 reveiws and interview

Here are a few international reviews of "I do admire things that are only what they are":

Adam Baruch, The Soundtrack Of My Life:
For fans of well organized Free Jazz (no, this is not an oxymoron) and improvised music this album is simply a fulfillment of a perfect dream. Not a dull moment, from start to finish, countless examples of superb individual and collective skills and above all an atmosphere of joy as a result of playing together. As usual in his case, this is one more triumphant achievement for Christiansen and the Kasper Tom 5, which should not be missed! http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104928

Eyal Hareuveni, Freejazzblog.org:
"The charismatic, commanding solos of Mahall and Dąbrowski charge these pieces with poetic intensity and profound emotional appeal. Their intertwining solos on “Play or Die” and the closing “Vranjo” are the highlights of this warmly recommended album."
http://www.freejazzblog.org/2016/02/meet-danes.html

Jan Granile, Saltpeanuts.eu:
http://salt-peanuts.eu/record/kasper-tom-5/

Interview by Ferdinand Dupuis-Panther, Jazzhalo.be:
http://www.jazzhalo.be/interviews/kasper-tom-interview-with-the-danish-drummer/

08.12.2015
Kasper Tom 5 videos on youtube

There are now 3 videos online from Kasper Tom 5's koncert in Black Box/CUBA in Münster November 2015. Enjoy!
Here i "Life":

29.09.2015
New Release: Kasper Tom 5: I do admire things that are only what they are

I am happy to announce that "I do admire things that are only what they are" will be released on CD and digitally by Barefoot Records November 2nd 2015.

Musicians:
Rudi Mahall, clarinet + bass clarinet
Tomasz Dabrowski, trumpet
Petter Hängsel, trombone
Jens Mikkel Madsen, bass
Kasper Tom, drums + composition

Recorded live in concert at Dexter, Odense, Denmark May 21st 2015.
Mixed and mastered by Peter Hellesøe.
Cover by Håkon Berre

https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/kasper-tom-5-life
http://kaspertom.com/

Kasper Tom will present their new album on a release tour taking them to Germany and Poland from November 5.-14. 2015.

5 nov Koeppenhaus, Greifswald (DE)
6 nov Pociag do Jazzu Klub Bagatella (PL)
7 nov Blue Note Jazz Club Poznan (PL)
9 nov Nordic Embassy, Berlin (DE)
10 nov Kasperl Theater, Backnang (DE)
11 nov Lokal Harmonie, Duisburg (DE)
12 nov Cuba, Münster (DE)
13 nov JazzStudio, Nürnberg (DE)
14 nov Saxstall, Pohrsdorf (DE)

15.05.2015
Kasper Tom 5 tour + recording

Kasper Tom 5 will be on tour in Germany and Denmark the coming week:
19/5 Golem, HH
20/5 DJM, Aarhus
21/5 Dexter, Odense -- LIVE RECORDING
22/5 Byens Rum/Danish Vayischias (Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall duo)
23/5 Blågårds Apotek, København

At the concert in Dexter in Odense we will record material for our next album to be released on Barefoot Records oct 2015.

Here's the tune Sowieso from a live perfomance in the legendary Warsaw club Pardon, to tu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc2gHYTUbso

01.04.2015
Sieben Acht gute Nacht released!

The CD "Sieben Acht gute Nacht" by FUSK is released on the Polish label For Tune Records.

https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/fusk-sieben-acht-gute-nacht

http://for-tune.pl/en/shop/?url=%2Foc%2Findex.php%3Froute%3Dproduct%2Fproduct%26amp%3Bproduct_id%3D97%2F

02.02.2015
Great review of "FUSK"

This review of the selftitled debut album by FUSK is just in:

"As a team Christiansen and Lang are one of the strongest and most imaginative rhythm sections on the European scene and this album is full of wonderful examples of their telepathic interplay. Supported by such an excellent rhythm section the two soloists are able to spread their wings and explore the freedom of improvisation in full. Both Gropper and Mahall gently weave their lush structures, both individually and collectively, creating a highly aesthetic whole."

http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104695

Our third album is coming soon on the Polish label For Tune Records!

22.12.2014
People, Cats and Obstacles released on For Tune Records

People, Cats and Obstacles by Łukasz Borowicki Trio is released on Polish record label For Tune Records.
The trio consists of Łukasz Borowicki on guitar, Mariusz Praśniewski on double bass and Kasper Tom Christiansen on drums.
The album was reviewed by Adam Baruch on Polish Jazz Blogspot:

http://polish-jazz.blogspot.dk/2014/12/lukasz-borowicki-trio-people-cats.html

18.11.2014
Kasper Tom 5 - Downtown Music Gallery NYC

Ost Bingo Skruer reviewed by Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery in NYC:

http://search2.downtownmusicgallery.com/lookup.cgi?item=2014_10_28_14_59_01

"The balance between the written pieces and improvised is just right since it is as if we are aboard a ship, sometimes the sea is calm, sometimes we rock hard up and down. It forces us to focus or at least pay attention to the way things around us move or change."

05.11.2014
FUSK review + new album!

FUSK http://www.whyplayjazz.de/fusk just got this wonderful review from Adam Baruch / The soundtrack Of My Life:

"Christiansen is one of the most prolific young European Jazz personalities in the last decade (...) Kasper Tom Christiansen and his cohorts are the new generation of European Jazz and judging by their accomplishments we have little to worry about the quality of the music they will create. What kind of impact this kind of music will have on the general Culture of the continent is another question…"

http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104603

Adam Baruch is also writing the liner notes for the upcoming CD "Sieben Acht gute Nacht" by FUSK. The music was recorded live in the legendary Warsaw club "Pardon, to tu" and is to be released on Polish For Tune Records soon.

Here are a few tracks from our previous recordings:
https://soundcloud.com/fusk-music

27.10.2014
Chroma release today!

Today is the official release-date for Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov "Chroma".
Get it here:
ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/chroma/id921570622
AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Chroma-Kasper-Tom-Jacob-Anderskov/dp/B00NSPPVRG
CDON.COM:
http://cdon.dk/musik/kasper_tom_%2F_jacob_anderskov/chroma-29814378

or at our release concerts:
1st November @ Blågårds Apotek, CPH DK
3rd December @ Atlas, Aarhus DK

07.10.2014
First review of Chroma

The first review of Chroma is in.
Release on Barefoot Records October 27th.

http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104595

"This is an album by a duo of Danish Jazz musicians: drummer / composer Kasper Tom Christiansen and pianist / composer Jacob Anderskov, both representatives of the new wave of Danish Jazz music, which has been experiencing a significant resurgence since the turn of the Millennium. Anderskov, who is commonly recognized as one of the leaders of the local Danish scene, is a prolific performer, composer and recording artists with a sizeable legacy of over twenty releases as a leader since his debut in 2001 and many more as a sideman. He won the Danish Jazz Composer of the Year award in 2013 and is definitely an Artist worth following. Christiansen, who started to record in 2007, participated in more than ten releases since, with a steady progress towards excellence. This album includes eight original compositions, seven of which are by Christiansen, and the opening track is a piece credited to both participants.

The fact that Anderskov takes part in this album almost exclusively as a pianist is a tremendous vote of confidence in Christiansen´s talent as a composer. But more importantly, for anybody listening to this music, it becomes pretty obvious that Christiansen is a brilliant music weaver. His intrinsic melancholy, lyricism and feel for freedom of expression are his pillars, and then it´s up to the performers to translate these principles into actual soundscapes.

Anderskov was an ideal choice to turn this music into what it finally becomes: a dreamy soundtrack of an imaginary voyage through space and time, delicate and fragile, illusive and mystical. The gentle piano strokes and the muffled drum parts work hand in hand towards a common goal of caressing the listener´s soul via his ears. This music can be absorbed on many different levels, from highly cerebral to completely emotional, all with an equally satisfactory aesthetic effect.

This is a very intimate piece of music, humble in a way, somewhat minimalistic, and yet it contains more music and artistic expression that most other, much more flamboyant recordings. For me this is one of the most profound pieces of music I´ve had the pleasure to hear this year. As usual in such occasions, I simply raise my imaginary hat, thanking the Artists for sharing." - Adam Baruch

29.09.2014
New release

I'm happy to announce the release of the CD "Chroma" by Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov on October 27th 2014 on Barefoot Records!
http://barefoot-records.com/
The CD contains 7 original compositions + 1 collective improvisation and features Jacob Anderskov on piano and me on drums.

If you don't know Jacob, check him out here:
http://jacobanderskov.dk/

Here is the tune "Rouge":
https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/rouge

We will be playing a release concert on November 1st at Blågårds Apotek, Copenhagen.
1st set: Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov
2nd set: Tomasz Dabrowski's Free4Arts
Come join us!

20.08.2014
Danish Delight

Kasper Tom 5 is selected to play Danish Delight in BeNeLux september 2nd-4th.
We will be playing Bimhuis in Amsterdam, TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht and LantarenVenster in Rotterdam.

http://danishdelight.dk/

See you there!
or
Check a performance of "LIfe" in Lodz, Poland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXRG5NhD4a0

31.05.2014
Kasper Tom 5 on JazzWrap!

Great review by Stephan Moore at JazzWrap:

http://jazzwrap.blogspot.dk/2014/04/kasper-tom-5-ost-bingo-skruer.html

"Kasper Tom has shown himself again as a bold and resourceful composer who can gather the musicians into a challenging situation and produce some material of wonder and fresh exuberance. Ost Bingo Skruer is a great record that challenges conventions but is also rich and fun to experience."

We will be performing at the Copenhagen Jazzfestival @ Christianshavns Beboerhus juli 9th at 9 pm.

16.05.2014
Marek Kadziela ADHD

Polish tour coming up with the great guitar player Marek Kadziela.
Album recording + 4 concerts around Poland. (check concerts for dates)

http://www.marekkadziela.com/

07.05.2014
Barefoot Records

I had some great days with wonderful music Barefoot Records showcase at Aufsturz in Berlin 1st and 2nd!
I'm very happy to be a part of this collective of musicians.
Check it out!

http://barefoot-records.com/

14.03.2014
Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov

I'm pleased to announce that Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov will be recording soon. After a couple of years of playing and finding the sound of the band, we have decided to record our debut album. You can cactch us live saturday march 15th @ Salonen, Aarhus.

28.02.2014
Amazing review of "Ost Bingo Skruer" by Adam Baruch

Very happy about this insightful review by Adam Baruch:

http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104490

"With young European Jazz musicians like these one can look forward to the future with at least some optimism. The renaissance of ambitious music in Europe is truly heartwarming, against all odds and like an oasis in the desert of mediocrity that modern life pushes down our throats. Well done indeed!"

Kasper Tom 5 will be touring Germany and Poland in the end of April.

11.02.2014
The Eskimo + Kasper Tom 5

After a great "Tour de Berlin" with The Eskimo and the futile guilt, I am happy to announce that we will release our debut later this year.
Here we are at a concert some years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0ymqkkC0ww

AND look at this great review of "Ost Bingo Skruer" from Gapplegate Music Review:
http://gapplegatemusicreview.blogspot.dk/2014/02/kasper-tom-5-ost-bingo-skruer.html

17.01.2014
Ost Bingo Skruer in Aarhus Stiftstidende

Kasper Tom 5 receives 5 stars (out of 6) in Aarhus Stiftstidende!
See link below (in danish)

http://stiften.dk/cd-anmeldelser/kasper-tom-5

03.01.2014
"Ost Bingo Skruer" receives Honorable Mention

Ost Bingo Skruer receives "Hornorable Mention" in the january issue of The New York City Jazz Record.

http://www.nycjazzrecord.com/issues/tnycjr201401.pdf

You can listen to a track here:
https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/kasper-tom-5-kusk

and read more about the release in the Discography section.

Happy New Year!

08.12.2013
Kasper Tom 5 on All About Jazz

Great review by Eyal Hareuveni on All About Jazz:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45931#.UqS_hvTuIil

12.11.2013
Ost Bingo Skruer

"Ost Bingo Skruer" by Kasper Tom 5 will be released on december 5th.
There will be a release-party at Blågårds Apotek (CPH) december 5th at 17h where we will present the record and play a short set of old and new tunes. Drop by for a beer and some music!

Take a sneak peek here:

https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/kasper-tom-5-d-ner-macht-sch

31.10.2013
11 Tsuki Jazzfest

I'm proud to part of 11-Tsuki Jazzfest, starting next week in Aarhus.
I'm performing with Trouble Hunting 5. november 2013 20 h @ B Huset, Aarhus.
Among the other acts at the festival are Schlippenbach Trio and the trio Fly.
See the entire line up here:

http://ebillet.dk/buy.listtt.aspx?refno=14781

16.10.2013
Hunger Pangs on All about Jazz!

"The trio explores varied forms of its intense, tight and rhythmic interplay even on the spare and quiet pieces as "Low Hip" and "Tage." But this interplay never surrenders to conventional manners of interaction or specific genres, and is full of imagination, urgency and emotional sensitivity. Longer compositions such as "Isbjorn" and "Bunker Hungs" allow the trio to improvise over dissonant chords, alternating pulse and colors, to investigate its sonic envelope and to exchange ideas in an almost telepathic manner."

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45573#.Ul5hcVDxrjM

04.10.2013
Hunger Pangs on Polish top 10 list

Hunger Pangs - "MEET MEAT", is among the best Jazz albums of 2013 in Poland.
We will play @ Pardon, To Tu in Warszawa november 11th!
http://theculturetrip.com/europe/poland/articles/resilient-beats-the-best-polish-jazz-albums-of-2013/

21.09.2013
Ost Bingo Skruer in press!

The upcoming release by Kasper Tom 5 "Ost Bingo Skruer" is currently in press.
The album will be released on CD in december 2013 on Barefoot Records.
http://barefoot-records.com/upcoming-releases/
Check out the promo-video for "Ost Bingo Skruer" featuring the last part of the tune Everybody loves Calypso:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO1ciipctuU

05.09.2013
2 great reviews of "Meet Meat" by Hunger Pangs

"Considering the level of maturity and power of expression present here, usually associated with musicians at the peak of their artistic powers, it's truly scary to realize that these are players at the early stage of their career...this album deserves to be heard by all European Jazz fans, as it heralds the shape of things to come."
- http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104346

"It is not free jazz, but it is free from conventions. Many changes, mostly in fast tempos and a stunning interplay. Either the three have practiced together for a very, very long time or they understand each other instinctively...An unconditional recommendation and certainly one of the albums, that at the end of the year will be in the top lists of many jazz fans."
- http://polish-jazz.blogspot.dk/2013/06/hunger-pangs-meet-meat-fortune-records.html

29.08.2013
Horn Amok

Now, after all these years of endless waiting, the music of the legendary band Horn Amok is available to everybody.
Check it out!
https://soundcloud.com/horn-amok
Recorded 2008 in Copenhagen.

Mads la Cour - trp, flghorn, Eb-Horn
Bartek Wawryniuk - altosax
Tomasz Licak - tenor, clarinet
Rasmus Fribo - tenor, soprano, bass clarinet
Richard Andersson - bass
Kasper Tom - drums + comp

09.08.2013
Kasper Tom 5 record

After our short tour in June we recorded a nice set of tunes which will be released in the fall on Barefoot Records.
Here you can have a listen: https://soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/kasper-tom-5-d-ner-macht-sch

About

Kasper Tom, born 1981 in Svendborg, Denmark, belongs to the new generation of drummers who mix music from many genres and makes it his own. He gratuated from the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music and lived and worked in Berlin from 2007-2010. Since 2006 he has been leading his own bands focusing on modern composition and improvisation. Current bands include FUSK (Rudi Mahall, Philipp Gropper, Andreas Lang) Kasper Tom 5 (Tomasz Dabrowski, Rudi Mahall, Petter Hängsel, Jens Mikkel Madsen), WalsdorffMelbyeTom (Henrik Walsdorff, Adam Melbye) and Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov.

He released CDs on WhyPlayJazz, Barefoot Records, EFPI Records and Gateway Music, and has newly become a member of the acclaimed Copenhagen based label/collective Barefoot Records. Both as a drummer and as a composer Kasper Tom has a distinct musical identity and a personal sound, which makes him one of the interesting young jazz musicians on todays European scene. Other collaborators count: Johannes Bauer,Tobias Delius, Alexander von Schlippenbach, Axel Dörner, Kasper Tranberg, Marek Kadziela, Richard Andersson and Tomasz Licak.

"Danish drummer Kasper Tom Christiansen is one of the most interesting composers in the vibrant Danish jazz scene. As many other like-minded composers in this scene, he does not bind himself to the jazz legacy. His distinct musical personality references elements of contemporary music, and free improvisation. His compositions often bend catchy melodies into complex structures, while playing with seriousness. He challenges with odd segments and constantly attempts to push the boundaries without forgetting formative legacies. Impressive performances of demanding and challenging compositions." - All About Jazz

Upcoming concerts

FUSK

FUSK - that is Kasper Tom, Andreas Lang, Tomasz Dabrowski and Rudi Mahall – shine with their witty and inventive playing. The quartet covers a broad spectrum, from catchy melodies to complex structures and the expressive deconstruction of patterns. Seriousness and oddity reign together and the written material is always dealt with in a playful and very refreshing way. A real feast for the ears!

http://www.whyplayjazz.de/fusk

Tomasz Dabrowski (trumpet)
Rudi Mahall (bass clarinet)
Andreas Lang (bass)
Kasper Tom (drums+comp)

http://www.whyplayjazz.de/fusk

Mahall Rupp Tom

Rudi Mahall is a legendary figure on the international jazz/avantgarde scene. As a member of Schlippenbach's Globe Unity Orchestra, Monk's Casino and Die Enttäusshung he has gained a reputation as one the great European improvisors and a unique communicator on the bass clarinet.
Olaf Rupp plays the guitar like no one else. His very personal style of playing mixing complex extended techniques with a strong melodic sence and his great command of the guitar, makes him a strong musical voice and a perfect partner to Mahall.
Over the past decade, Kasper Tom has made his name on the European improv- and advantgarde-scene. Kasper's playings draws inspiration from modern music, but is also imbued with a great deal of tradition and a unique sense of melody and flow.
Together the three improvisers join forces on the release ”Rudi Mahall Olaf Rupp Kasper Tom” out June 28th 2019 on Barefoot Records.
soundcloud.com/kasper-tom/mahall-rupp-tom-turm
kaspertom.com

“the music defies expectations, it can possibly drive one to madness, and/or raise your level of consciousness to heretofore unimaginable levels” FREEJAZZBLOG

„Bitte mehr von diesem Trio!” FREISTIL

“the three’s fluid improvisations move past any connections to the mainstream to concentrate on virtuosic sound explorations” JAZZWORD

Kasper Tom 5

Drummer and composer Kasper Tom has assembled a group of significant, international musicians from the European jazz scene. The band is assembled in an attempt to create a new sound of original compositions that require and challenge each musician's individuality and artistic identity. The band covers a wide spectrum, from catchy melodies to complex structures and expressive construction and deconstruction of the material. Seriousness and oddity reign together, the music exudes innovation and creativity and pushes the boundaries without forgetting tradition.
Kasper Tom 5 is a band with a serious take on contemporary European music.

Rudi Mahall, bass clarinet
Tomasz Dabrowski, trumpet
Petter Hängsel, trombone
Jens Mikkel Madsen, bass
Kasper Tom, drums + composition

"This quintet presents the perfect balance between composed and improvised music, keeping the form and structure of "conventional" composed music, but stretching way beyond the basic layout and explodes with imagination and musical freedom. Christiansen collected in this quintet an exceptional group of highly talented musicians, and their collective abilities, emotions and of course technical skills as players and improvises add up to a total that is much bigger than just the sum of the components. The mutual respect and the level of communication, which is especially apparent on this live recording, are simply phenomenal.

It is also important to note Christiansen the composer, in addition to his tasks as bandleader and drummer. His compositions are the solid basis upon all the improvised music is firmly based. His quirky, beautiful and fascinating little melodies are always superbly crafted, both melodically and harmonically. In fact they are perhaps in some respect the most important facet of Christiansen´s multitalented persona.

For fans of well organized Free Jazz (no, this is not an oxymoron) and improvised music this album is simply a fulfillment of a perfect dream. Not a dull moment, from start to finish, countless examples of superb individual and collective skills and above all an atmosphere of joy as a result of playing together. As usual in his case, this is one more triumphant achievement for Christiansen and the Kasper Tom 5, which should not be missed!"
- Adam Baruch, The Soundtrack Of My Life http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104928

Kasper Tom/Rudi Mahall

Kasper Tom - drums
Rudi Mahall - clarinet, bass clarinet

Rudi Mahall is a legendary figure on the international jazz/avantgarde scene. As a member of Schlippenbach's Globe Unity Orchestra, Monk's Casino and Die Enttäusshung he has gained a reputation as one the great European improvisors and a unique communicator on the bass clarinet. He masters both Bb clarinet and bass clarinet as no one else in this world and with his intense, positive musical expression he is always fun to experience live.

Over the past few years, Kasper Tom has made his name on the European
improv- and advantgarde-scene. Kasper's playings draws inspiration from modern music, but is also imbued with a great deal of tradition and a unique sense of melody. As a band leader he has had great succes with the groups FUSK, Kasper Tom 5 and Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure" was relased on Barefoot Records July 4th 2016.

Photo by Hreinn Gudlaugsson

Kasper Tom/Jacob Anderskov

Kasper Tom (dr)
Jacob Anderskov (p)

This new duo sets out to conquer the world with inventive, open music composed by Kasper Tom.

Over the past few years, Kasper Tom has made his name on the European
improv- and advantgarde-scene. Kasper's compositions draw inspiration from modern composition, but is also imbued with a great deal of melancholy and a unique sense of melody.

Jacob Anderskov has released close to 20 albums as a leader and co-leader since his debut in 2001. He has received numerous awards and has been acclaimed by the international press as a great voice in contemporary music. His work ranges from improvised works in small groups to fully composed pieces for larger ensembles. Most recently, he released the two albums "Agnostic Revelations" and "Granular Alchemy" with the musicians Chris Speed, Michael Formanek and Gerald Cleaver .

"This is a very intimate piece of music, humble in a way, somewhat minimalistic, and yet it contains more music and artistic expression than most other, much more flamboyant recordings. For me this is one of the most profound pieces of music I´ve had the pleasure to hear this year. As usual in such occasions, I simply raise my imaginary hat, thanking the Artists for sharing." - Adam Baruch / The Soundtrack of My Life

”Danish drummer Kasper Tom Christiansen is one of the most interesting composers in the vibrant Danish jazz scene. As many other like-minded composers in this scene, he does not bind himself to the jazz legacy. His distinct musical personality references elements of contemporary music, and free improvisation. His compositions often bend catchy melodies into complex structures, while playing with seriousness. He challenges with odd segments and constantly attempts to push the boundaries without forgetting formative legacies. Impressive performances of demanding and challenging compositions.” - All About Jazz

www.jacobanderskov.dk

Joaniquet/Soniano/Tom: Songbook

Cesar Joaniquet - sax
Brice Soniano – double bass
Kasper Tom – drums

“...an instant classic, a case study of the “Art of the Trio” variety in the Jazz idiom; in which telepathic group improvisation and lofty inspiration take the music straight to the top of human gratification hubs. This is definitely some of the finest music that landed on my player this year, full of immense aesthetic pleasure as well as intellectual contentment. Way to go!”
- Adam Baruch, The Soundtrack Of My Life”, Sept. 2015

”Beautiful playing, touching arrangements, all radiated with unique, heartbreaking grace.” - Eyal Hareuveni, Saltpeanuts.eu

(Band photo by Hreinn Gudlaugsson)

http://www.astropi.com/joaniquet-soniano-tom-songbook/

Tom/von Schlippenbach/Mahall: Abstract Window

Alexander von Schlippenbach - piano
Rudi Mahall - clarinets
Kasper Tom - drums

Schlippenbach is mostly known for his groundbreaking work with Schlippenbach Trio (with Evan Parker and Paul Lovens) and his big group Globe Unity Orchestra. With these groups Schlippenbach has been defining the ways of improvised music since 1966.

Rudi Mahall is a legendary figure on the international jazz/avantgarde scene. As a member of Schlippenbach's Globe Unity Orchestra, Monk's Casino and Die Enttäusshung he has gained a reputation as one the great European improvisors and a unique communicator on the bass clarinet.

Over the past few years, Kasper Tom has made his name on the European improv- and advantgarde-scene. Kasper's playings draws inspiration from modern music, but is also imbued with a great deal of tradition and a unique sense of melody.

Together the three improvisers now join forces in Abstract Window.

Quotes

"This high-energy CD by Danish drummer Kasper Tom shows why, despite recent troubles, the EU isn't likely to dissolve...there isn't much chance that Tom will become an EU civil servant, but by creating compositions whose shape and resolution reflects pan-Europeanism, he's advanced good politics as well as good music"

Ken Waxman, The New York City Jazz Record

"Christiansen is one of the most prolific young European Jazz personalities in the last decade"

Adam Baruch / The Soundtrack Of My Life

"This is a very intimate piece of music, humble in a way, somewhat minimalistic, and yet it contains more music and artistic expression than most other, much more flamboyant recordings. For me this is one of the most profound pieces of music I´ve had the pleasure to hear this year. As usual in such occasions, I simply raise my imaginary hat, thanking the Artists for sharing."

Adam Baruch on "Chroma"

Danish drummer Kasper Tom Christiansen is one of the most interesting composers in the vibrant Danish jazz scene. As many other like-minded composers in this scene, he does not bind himself to the jazz legacy. His distinct musical personality references elements of contemporary music, and free improvisation. His compositions often bend catchy melodies into complex structures, while playing with seriousness. He challenges with odd segments and constantly attempts to push the boundaries without forgetting formative legacies. Impressive performances of demanding and challenging compositions.

Kasper Tom 5 on All About Jazz

"Considering the level of maturity and power of expression present here, usually associated with musicians at the peak of their artistic powers, it's truly scary to realize that these are players at the early stage of their career...this album deserves to be heard by all European Jazz fans, as it heralds the shape of things to come."

Hunger Pangs reveiwed by Adam Baruch

"It is not free jazz, but it is free from conventions. Many changes, mostly in fast tempos and a stunning interplay. Either the three have practiced together for a very, very long time or they understand each other instinctively...An unconditional recommendation and certainly one of the albums, that at the end of the year will be in the top lists of many jazz fans."

Hunger Pangs on Polish Jazz Blog

Vital, furiøs, underfundig, kreativ, livsnærende og festlig musik.

Super Kasper by Bjarne Søltoft, Jazz Special

FUSK holt die wilden 1960er-Jahre in die turbulente Jetztzeit, zeigt, wie fließend die Grenzen zwischen frei Improvisiertem und Notiertem sein können. Trotz aller Retro-Tendenzen klingt die Musik dieses Vierers unverbraucht, frisch, aufregend. Übersetzt heißt „Fusk“ übrigens zu viel wie „Pfuschen“. Doch davon kann auf dieser CD nicht die Rede sein.

Jazz Thing

FUSK defines its own freedom, between contrapuntal springboard melodies, sometimes bordering on serial techniques, and catchy themes that employ hard-swinging rhythms, joint improvisations and expressive deconstruction of patterns, all performed with passionate playfulness and wise irony....playful interplay, true to the spirit of this excellent quartet...Funny, inventive and provocative.

Eyal Hareuveni - All About Jazz

Leader Kasper Tom C. has managed to found a quartet utterly distinguished by the personalities of the players. . . and Kasper's energetic, rollicking vision of how a band can swing wildly and be filled with outside expressiveness throughout.
This new album is even better than the last. Listen and you will be transported to a Super Kasper-land, a very good place to be indeed.

Gregg Applegate, Gapplegate Music Review

Super Kasper by Fusk is a pivotal album in the world of avant-garde jazz and improvisational music. Throughout the album, Fusk proves that avant-garde jazz is engaging, quirky, fun, and odd—all at the same time. [...] there is a poetic grace about the music, which screams innovation [...] Super Kasper is an interesting and productive work of musical art that should incite praise and adoration from avant-garde, improvisational, free jazz, and nu-jazz forms.

Matthew Forss

[...] this is a massive step forward. Challenging chords, imaginative thinking and superb performances. [...] The real thing that struck me from the first listen to Super Kasper was how many times I kept coming back to the record throughout the first week I got it. Fusk is a quartet of veteran musicians. But a quartet that has matured in its compositions and performances faster than you would expect. I really really loved this record. And it will be one of my best of albums of the year. Highly Recommended!

Stephen Moore, Jazz Wrap

FUSK doesn’t so much play free jazz, as set jazz free. Performing Super Kasper in a series of first takes, with three tracks presented as complete improvisations, this amalgam is simply too enterprising to fit into any one category. Call it FUSK jazz, if you like (...) the group sets a tone of expectation-melting excitement (...) Pulse-quickening without slipping into hyperactivity, arhythmical without losing a sense of propulsion (...) Hair-raising, and then harrumphing...a raw, layered, madcap experience
(..) endlessly intriguing (..) FUSK ends things with a moment of crackling interplay – showing once again their willingness to move outside of every convention we have about “outside” playing.

Nick DeRiso, Something Else Reviews

[...] Explosiv und dynamisch preschen sie durch die kompositorischen Vorgaben des Schlagzeugers Christiansen. Mit dieser zeitgemäßen Auffassung einer freien Spielweise, übersprudelnden Ideen und ungekünstelter Lebendigkeit definieren sie ihren Platz in der improvisierten Szene auf sehr eigenständige Weise.

Detlef A. Ott, Jazz Podium

I presume that the new Fusk is even more mature proposal and will gain at least as high marks as the debut. Personally, music on Super Kasper warms me up so much that I might jump into the glacial this time of year Spree river to cool off a little bit and finish my bath in the vicinity of the Mühlendammschleuse floodgate after 55’26 seconds, because winter is a pretty hot season with this music.

Marek Lubner, soundsgreen.blogspot.com

Discography

Contact

kastom2@hotmail.com