"Efter att ha känt både Hans Backenroth och Per Thornberg i många år, och följt deras musikaliska resa med stor entusiasm, så förväntade jag mig något alldeles extra av deras duo.
Precis så blev min upplevelse av att lyssna på denna underbara version av en för mig tidigare okänd låt.
Otroligt vacker melodipresentation och solo av Hans på basen, varpå Per spelar ett gudomligt solo på sin saxofon. Lyssna och njut!"

 Lars Danielsson  https://lars-danielsson.com/

Per Thornberg som föreläsare:

"En tidsresa inom konst och musik under 110 år". Så rubricerade Per Thornberg sin föreläsning i Knäreds bygdegård. 
Tidsresan gav verkligen mersmak med öppnande av ögon och öron för musik och konst som för en hel del besökare blev inkörsport till nya "resor" inom nämnda ämnesområden.
Stycken med improviserade jazztoner från Thornbergs saxofon till kända konstnärers verk skapade stämning och lugn betraktelse av bilderna, projicerade på bioduken.
På ett pedagogiskt och ödmjukt sätt tog han publiken med sig genom konstens och musikens förändringar - även till pianotoner - från tidigt 1900-tal till dagens datum. Såväl internationella som nationella och lokala konstnärer passerade revy, bland annat Judith Johansson som i sin vävatelje i Knäred skapade verk väl i klass med Märta Måås-Fjetterströms alster.
Mån om sin publik hade Per Thornberg lagt ner ett gediget och mycket genomarbetat jobb inför framträdandet i föreläsningsföreningen. Imponerande. Per Thornberg kan varmt rekommenderas."

Lars Ingemarson - ordförande i Knäreds föreläsningsförening (som firar 110-årsjubileum i december 2023!)
 

 "Låten Coastline gungar på längs den Svenska kusten med en lätt blinkning mot det stora landet i väster.
Per Thornberg är en pålitlig och habil kompositör som jag gärna lyssnar på (och spelar med)
Instrumentalt av högsta klass med fina improvisationer på saxofon och från Peter Bengtson på gitarr!"

Rolf Jardemark
https://rolfjardemark.com/


“Amazing homage to the early years of blues from the last centuries. Beautiful saxophone theme feels like a time capsule. Perfectly balanced harmonic structure, with wonderful instruments, from blissful piano themes and seductive guitar, that leads this magnificent song. ”

Nagamag.com

"Nagamag strongly suggests you to listen to the song “Coastline (feat. Peter Bengtsson)” by the remarkable “Per Thornberg”. A captivating Jazz music composition that upraised the difficulty for our curators to gather and write down and describe through a music review, their feelings due to their listening experience of “Per Thornberg – Coastline (feat. Peter Bengtsson).” The song manages to take you on a journey through the world of Jazz Fusion, Jazz music, offering a delightful experience for all music enthusiasts."

https://www.nagamag.com/the-latest/per-thornberg-coastline-feat-peter-bengtsson-jazz-music-review

“-Per Thornberg, Adam Sass and Mattias Grönroos- make their contribution to the track of the masterful execution of parties, create a deep sound design. A jazz composition is suitable for listening to both parties and a personal hearing. Energy, combined with beautiful melodies, attracts attention and creates an unforgettable impression.”
-Nagamag.com
 

  ”Utsökt låt med fina solistinsatser. Per Thornberg har bjudit in en favorit, Peter Asplund, att matcha hans melodiska improvisationer. Borde höras av många.”

 Fredrik Norén - trumpetare, jazzmusiker, leder Stockholm Jazz Orchestra.

Även recension här:
https://www.deathordesire.com/post/per-thornberg-forest-spirits-feat-peter-asplund


https://lastdaydeaf.com/listening-now-per-thornberg-forest-spirits-feat-peter-asplund/

 

“Waves,” a sublime and expressive new bebop blues tune by Per Thornberg, featuring renowned South African pianist Andrew Lilley, is a masterclass in lyricism and performance.
Thornberg’s exquisite melodic writing and improvisation, paired with Lilley’s rich and masterful playing, bring together all you can need and want in a stellar artistic collaboration. Underpinned by a solid, in-the-pocket rhythm section featuring Max Thornberg on bass and Micke Vigh Svensson on drums, the tune embraces a rhythmic energy that draws the listener in, melodic lines that will leave one humming after, and an excitement that will surely put the track on repeat! 

Mikhaila Alyssa Smith, composer, orchestrator, pianist based in New York City.

“The magnificent, lively and emotional jazz composition that transports listeners to the world of harmony and elegant, mental music. The melody uses a wide range of tools, such as a saxophone, piano, double bass and drums, to create a deeper and more saturated sound. Through soft and smooth transitions, the track conveys the feeling of an endless moving melody.” 

Nagamag Magazine

       https://www.deathordesire.com/post/per-thornberg-herrvik

                    Easy Living

“A wonderful composition created by a Swedish jazz musician -Per Thornberg- An amazing imagination example of modern jazz, who delights with his melodic and rich performance.
The vintage and warm sound of the saxophone is intertwined with soft chords of the piano, creating a harmonious and emotional atmosphere.” 

Nagamag Magazine

                               Shades

"Per Thornbergs fina komposition Shades är som en musikalisk akvarell. Olika lager av harmonik blir till en relief där melodiinstrumenten utgör de spetsiga penseldragen och därmed konturerna. Här finns även en koppling till John Coltranes sextiotal men med en skörare touch. Lite som en akvarell."

Klas Lindqvist - saxofonist, klarinettist.


“With a blissful saxophone as the lead instrument, this song expresses its depth and emotion in a wonderful way. Transitions of saxophone themes is done masterfully. Dynamic and very seductive atmosphere with amazing rhythm sections, captures the overall mood of the song perfectly. ”

Nagamag Magazine 



     

                          Light Comes

“Smooth groove and very soft atmosphere with amazing saxophone solo is something that will set you at ease after a long day. Song is perfect for relaxing moments or preparing yourself for a night out. Lush saxophone perfectly captures the jazzy mood of the song with amazing bass and joyful background harmonies.”

                       Reviewed by Nagamag May 9 2023.

                            A Man and His Mind

"On his new release, “A man and his mind”, Per Thornberg showcases a fun, modern take on the blues. The half-time swing feel and suspended chords during the melody statement set up an open, mellow energy that allows the band to build from there and get into more hard-swinging territory during the solos. Thornberg’s deep bag of soulful blues and modern post-Trane lines and Erik Söderlind’s similarly soulful hard-bop flavoured guitar playing complement each other perfectly and make for a very interesting dialogue and an irresistibly swinging performance all round."

Michael Bester, Cape Town, SA.
 

    
            Atelier Nord

“Beautiful jazz song with a perfectly played instruments, specially saxophone and its amazing solo moments, that steals the show. Guitar theme makes a perfect transitions between saxophone parts and takes the listener on a joyful journey. ”

           Pastime

"Joyful song full of freestyle moments, they feel and sound like a perfect jam session, with amazing vibe and drive. Smooth groove with a lot of amazing solo drum moments are adding more to the overall atmosphere, but the saxophone solo parts steals the show within the song."

Nagamag.com

         The Sensitive Ear

"Per Thornberg’s bossa nova, The Sensitive Ear, is a dreamy and calming piece of music, due in large part, to the groovy and supportive rhythm section comping. The sax melody gives way to a melodic double bass solo before Thornberg delivers a tasteful improvisation, filled with running lines which incorporate subtle rhythmic and articulation variations. A lyrical guitar solo, which skilfully employs the use of sequences, a sprinkling of blues and bebop lines sets up the final head of the tune, leaving the listener in a calm and fulfilled place."

Dan Shout, Cape Town, S A.

  
        Ocean Vibe

"A lovely melody; I can hear the ocean waves.
Floating waltz - very relaxed with a great sound, balance and mix.
Nice rhythm section sound and accompaniment.
Excellent solos all the way around!"

Gordon Vernick, U.S. 

     Twin Souls

     "There is nothing quite like a compelling melody that lingers long after that very first encounter. 
“Twin Souls” is a breathtaking melodic ballad inspired by artist Dagmar Glemme. With its romantic, storytelling character, the piece takes you to a world beyond this one - one exuding the delicate and expressive quality of Glemme’s art, mirrored effortlessly through Per’s exquisite playing and improvisation. Recorded live at Glenn Miller Café in Stockholm, this elegant performance embraces a nostalgia and intimacy brought to life by a stellar rhythm section, charming harmonic lines and a beautiful melody that will surely linger and echo in your mind long after. ❤️ 

Mikhaila Alyssa Smith - Composer, Orchestrator and Pianist from South Africa, now living in New York City.

 

  
  In Motion

"What is the difference between a pioneer and an artist? A pioneer is among the first people to create a style or to introduce it to the world. An artist can also do that but the beauty of an artist is the ability to be inspired from the work of a pioneer and create multiple variants of the same style. Per Thornberg is an artist that isn’t bound by the walls of jazz but goes on to give his own spin to his flawless music.
Per Thornberg is a very qualified jazz musician, tenor, saxophonist, teacher in improvisation, lecturer, author of educational books, composer, artist and even a critic. The fact that he is a teacher and author of books means that he knows exactly what he’s doing. His music is a flawless sonic expression of his thoughts and emotions. A master of his craft, Per Thornberg, works with a lot of visual artists in crossover projects between art and music.
In Motion s one of those perfect lounge music tracks that just take you back in time into a club with leather seats and a lot of gold and lights. Per Thornberg on the stage with his saxophone and ensemble twisting the minds of the audience. I cannot put into words the prowess and flawless talent he shows on the saxophone, almost like an extension of his vocal chords. It almost feels like he’s singing through the instrument. The accompanying percussions are also perfect. They remind me of ‘Riders on the storm’ and is a very nice evening or night time vibe. The song, as it progresses, switches from the saxophone to some keys that just pierce through the listener’s soul. What is this part?! Its just unbelievable after the two and half minute mark.
Towards the end, all the elements come together in a beautiful mix down that shows the expertise of the artists performing this single. Its not some run off the mill music that you hear today. It is pure classy jazz!"

Sinusoidal Music
per-thornberg-in-motion-flawless-jazz

 In Motion

“Der har længe været en tanke om at musikken er bedre og mere swingende jo tættere man kommer på kilden. I dag kan man - indenfor jazzmusik finde musik i verdensklasse over hele kloden. Den foreliggende indspilning med Per Thornberg på saxofon er et godt eksempel på dette. Hans smukke melodiske linier kliner sig ind imellem det formfuldendte orgelspil fra Andreas Hellkvist og det swingende trommespil fra Micke Svensson. Der er noget autentisk over denne musik og musikerne har klart lagt personlighed i deres variation over musikken fra de store mestre. Måske kender den almindelige musikelsker ikke navne som Michael Brecker, Larry Young eller Bill Stewart, der banede vejen i dette univers. Men det betyder heller ikke så meget, for når svenske musikere spiller op bliver musikken levende og man føler sig hensat til en jazzklub i New York - eller måske en trädgård i Uppsala (-: Moderne jazz med rødder i traditionen og med udsigt mod fremtidens nye højder for den improviserede musik. Eller sagt på en anden måde - International jazz med lokal accent. Enjoy!!”

Kjeld Lauritsen (DK).

  An Even Sweeter Spot

  "You can get the impression of a large inner energy, whose strength seem to break through all the sound palette of Jazz and take advantage of your mind. Beautiful performance and virtuoso instrument use!"

Nagamag Magazine

In Memoriam


"My wonderful productive colleague Swedish saxophonist and composer Per Thornberg has composed this dedication to his father.
A tune with a mellow sustained mood, colored by the use of mallets on the drums and by the lyrical theme.
A tune that certainly draws on inspirations from jazz but it also reminds me of how I imagine a sort of Nordic tango could sound like – the sustained vibe, the impression that underneath the surface you sense an undercurrent of something deeper.
In Memorian is performed with both well-defined clarity and feeling and with Per’s characteristic
solid ‘fat’ and warm sound on the tenor saxophone in focus. This tune is recorded with only one microphone in the room so it’s very honest and live – directly from the musicians to us the listeners."
 
 
Pernille Bévort, saxofonist/komponist, Danmark (DK).
 
 

 Figures and Movement

"Den pianolösa trion, där saxofonisten Sonny Rollins var en av pionjärerna, är ett format som ställer stora krav på sina utövare då det gäller att orientera sig i musiken enbart med hjälp av bastonerna. 
Den kan även ställa stora krav på lyssnaren då denne är helt utlämnad till saxofonistens förmåga att spela så tydligt över harmonierna att man lätt kan förstå det harmoniska förloppet.
I denna trio är dock alla dessa farhågor ogrundade då Pers saxofon verkligen tydliggör harmonierna samtidigt som han presenterar fina solistiska melodier som med lätthet flyger fram över ackorden! En känsla av trygghet presenterad av en samtidigt nyfiken saxofon infinner sig över basen och trummornas tydliga fundament!
Jag blir glad av att höra detta! Grattis Per till en fin inspelning!"

Mårten Lundgren

 

Sweetspot

”En saxofonton är som toppen av ett isberg. Under ytan skönjer man ett berg av jazzhistoria. Så tänker jag när jag hör Per Thornbergs Sweetspot. Hans timbre, hans frasering och tajming bjuder på en historielektion – men också en cool drink under en sommarvarm kväll på en altan i Halmstad. En mikrofon, en tagning ... en lycklig stund!”
 
Jan Sigurd

"This is a catchy blues-with-a-bridge groove tune, with a nice retro soul type drum sound and the two soloists on great form. Per Thornberg’s tenor solo is a slice of precisely articulated funky be-bop that Randy Brecker would be proud of (yes, Randy!) and Andrew Lilley, one of South Africa’s finest, puts his own twist on this with flavours of McCoy Tyner, and prompts the rhythm section into a brief burst of swing….. Highly recommended!"
 
Dave O'Higgins U.K.

 

"Med Pers fylliga tenor-ton i öronen njuter jag av solot i "The Darkness". Stycket känns som en liten pastisch men med ett eget gränsöverskridande tonspråk som harmoniskt och melodiskt klingar vemodigt och folkmelodiskt. Tekniskt och brilliant spelat i en mycket njutbar tolkning!" 

Neta Norén

“Capetonians love a funk-jazz track, which is why Heseldon Road is a fitting tribute to Per’s time spent during summer in "The Mother City”. Thornberg's conversational compositional style shines through in this piece, with the various instruments answering each other, before great guitar solo from South African guitarist, Michael Bester, who resides only minutes from Heseldon Road in Cape Town. I’m certain Capetonians will be dancing to this tune the next time Per performs in Cape Town!"

Dan Shout, Cape Town, South Africa 

” I Per Thornbergs komposition Clouds hör jag en koral av samtida snitt med en harmonik utöver den traditionella men med varsam respekt för traditionen. Pers saxspel, som vanligt av yppersta improvisationsmärke, antyder också i introt folkmusikaliska influenser och pianospelet klassisk tematik, samtliga ingredienser i smakfullt samspel”!
Lars Åke "Snus Svensson

JAZZ - Nye nordiske topmøder – Berlingske, Köpenhamn, Danmark. 26/4-2017
            
Den norske trommeslager Snorre Kirk og den svenske tenorsaxofonist Per Thornberg har begge været i studiet i København- med fine udgivelser til følge
Per Thornberg
»Lines for Lage«
*****  5/6 stjerner
Thornberg’s Music Production
 
Ensemblets skridsikre rytmiske fundament, som udgøres af Magnus Hjorth, Lasse Mørck og Snorre Kirk, er i øvrigt en velsammenspillet jazztrio, som også den svenske tenorsaxofonist Per Thornberg har fået øjne og ører op for. Han har således været i København for sammen med trioen at indspille sit album »Lines for Lage«.
Her byder saxofonisten på egen-kompositioner, tilegnet en primær inspirationskilde, billedkunstneren Lage Lindell, hvis kunst da også pryder omslaget, og dertil kommer værker fra jazzens store jazzbog.
Per Thornberg lægger godt ud med Harry Warrens »You’re My Everything«, som signalerer musik i den solide mainstream/bebop-stil. Det vil sige en aldeles velkendt – og så – alligevel.
Den svenske tenorsaxofonist er bare mere end en metervaremusiker. Han formulerer sig med usvigelig autoritet og overblik samt en uophørlig kreativ fantasi, der kan lede tankerne hen på to af hans navnkundige instrumentkolleger, nemlig hans landsmand Bernt Rosengren, og den hedengangne danske mester, Bent Jædig.
Til trods for at Per Thornberg har været på banen i årtier, hører han ikke til de svenske jazzmusikere, vi kender alt meget til på denne side af Sundet. Det kan måske skyldes, at han har været meget optaget af musikpædagogisk arbejde, og i sit hjemland blev han da også i 2014 beriget med titlen »Årets Jazzpedagog«.
Men her er han så med et album, som viser hans format som musiker, og som bare vinder ved hvert genhør. Alt virker veldisponeret – uden på nogen måde at mangle jazzmusikalsk organisme og åbenhed.
Den ledsagende nordisk-københavnske trio spiller fremragende, både kollektivt og individuelt, og som befordrende vandbærer for den besøgende svensker. Ja, det er bare jazz, når det skal være jazz.
Kjeld Frandsen

"I was lucky enough to here Per Thornberg live at the National Arts Festival in South Africa in 2016 and have followed him ever since. It is such a pleasure to have a new album of his to listen to. Techinicllay, he has a beautiful tenor sound and great articulation & intonation. Musically, he is a tasteful, swinging and considerate musician. I really enjoy the blend of Straight-Ahead Standards, the Swedish/European tunes and original material. Great album!"
Dan Shout, Cape Town, South Africa.
Dan Shout (Business)
Jazz/Swing/Rock ’n' Roll/DJs
www.ShoutMC.com 
B.Mus, M.Mus (With Distinction)
University of Cape Town
www.danshout.co.za