Biography:

Stefan Karlsson was born and raised in Vastervik, Sweden. After high school he moved to the United States on a scholarship to study at the University of North Texas. He graduated in 1991 with a Master’s Degree in jazz studies.

In 1990, Stefan signed a three-CD recording contract with Justice Records Houston, Texas. His latter two recordings were a great success on the national jazz radio charts, GAVIN and R&R, with a first place, on both charts, for his second release “The Road Not Taken.” Stefan’s fourth release, “Live at Vartan Jazz,” was recorded in 1997 by Vartan Jazz Records in Denver, Colorado. The album is a live recording and features bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund. Further, in 1993, he signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Equity Music Corporation, Hollywood, California. His music was featured in the 1994 movie releases “Sugar Hill” (featuring Wesley Snipes), “Twenty Bucks” (featuring Christopher Loyd), and the 1997 Independent film “Strays.” Over the years, his music has also been featured on the television series “Melrose Place,” “Party of Five,” “Wings” and “Homicide.”

After having resided in Denver, Colorado (1991-1994) and in Las Vegas, Nevada (1994-2002), fulfilling his duties as Coordinator of Jazz Studies at UNLV, Stefan is currently a professor of music in the University of North Texas’ jazz studies division. Stefan stays active playing at festivals, clubs and conferences worldwide as leader and sideman. His discography includes 63 recordings with eight CD’s as leader.

Since 1996, Stefan has been a member of the Eddie Gomez Trio and Quartet (including Jimmy Cobb, Nasheet Waitts, Billy Hart, Duduka da Fonseca, and Jeremy Steig) frequently touring Japan, Europe and the United States. He has also recorded and performed with artists such as Jesse Davis, Herb Ellis, Jim Ferguson, Carl Fontana, Tim Hagans, Steve Houghton, Clay Jenkins, Marc Johnson, Rich Matteson, Red Mitchell, Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, Chris Potter, Rufus Reid, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Ed Soph, Marvin Stamm, Harvie S, Mark Walker, Tom Warrington, Jiggs Wigham, Eliot Zigmund, and others. In addition, Stefan has performed as an accom- panist for vocalists Patti Austin with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (Morton Myerson Symphony Hall,) and with Monica Mancini with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (Bass Symphony Hall.)

Stefan has had the opportunity to travel the globe performing in concert halls, festivals, clubs, and doing clinics at conferences and universities. Internationally, his travels have taken him throughout Japan, Scotland, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Finland, Mexico, Germany, Korea, and Australia.