Kjell Jansson: The Maestro of Double Bass and His Beloved Madame Jacquet

Please note that this interview is recorded in Swedish, and you can access English subtitles in the KZbin menu.
Welcome to Chain of Sounds! In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Kjell Jansson, a renowned bassist from Gothenburg, Sweden, alongside his extraordinary double bass, Madame Jacquet.
Kjell Jansson's journey in music began with an affinity for the electric bass, influenced by the pop and blues sounds of the '60s, including bands like The Shadows and The Animals. However, a fateful visit to a jazz club in Gothenburg introduced him to the world of jazz and a lifelong passion for the double bass. Over the years, Kjell has played with numerous legendary drummers and musicians, including Conny Sjöqvist, Åke Johansson, and notable American jazz legends like Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, and James Moody, making him a staple in the jazz community.
Madame Jacquet, Kjell's unique double bass, stands out not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for its rich history and exceptional sound. Originally a three-stringed instrument, it has been lovingly restored and modified to suit Kjell's demanding performance needs. With features such as gut strings, a wooden endpin inspired by Ron Carter, and a built-in buffer to enhance sound quality, Madame Jacquet is a testament to Kjell's dedication to achieving the perfect sound.
Throughout the interview, Kjell shares insights into his career, the evolution of his playing style, and his meticulous approach to sound quality. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and openness in jazz, allowing for spontaneous and unexpected musical moments. Kjell's passion for his craft is evident in every note he plays and every story he tells.
bengans.se/sv/artiklar/jansso...
open.spotify.com/album/5dbwWM...
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Chapter List:
00:00 - Welcome to Chain of Sounds
00:23 - Introduction to Kjell Jansson
00:48 - Kjell's Early Music Journey
01:04 - Transition to Jazz
01:21 - Influences and Initial Encounters in Jazz
02:00 - Kjell's Electric Bass and Jazz
02:30 - Kjell's Relationship with Drummers
03:14 - Kjell's Band: Groove Extension
04:04 - Thoughts on Jazz Swing and Flexibility
05:04 - Composition Process
06:32 - Changing Playing Style with Different Drummers
08:21 - Kjell's Early Jazz Experience
09:37 - Learning Jazz Standards
10:58 - Collaborations with American Jazz Legends
11:50 - Impact of Real Book on Jazz Learning
12:02 - Kjell's Notable Bands: Mount Everest
12:22 - Transition to Double Bass
14:07 - Kjell's Sound Preferences
14:54 - Madame Jacquet: Unique Features
15:35 - Evolution of Kjell's Bass Sound
17:34 - Innovations in Bass Setup
20:22 - Technical Details of Madame Jacquet
26:11 - Conclusion and Farewell

[@brewhousegbg]

Great interview Nisse! 👏

[@chainofsounds]

Thank you🤗

[@GothenburgJazz]

What a legend! 🎉

[@chainofsounds]

he shure is, some nice stories here!

[@LearnJazzBasswithMattRybicki]

Thank you for this! Forgive me for correcting, but I'm almost certain that these strings are Gerold Genssler Corax strings, which aren't real gut. I love them though and I use them myself!

[@chainofsounds]

Hi Matt, thanks for that spot on comment! ( I have to double check the english translation if we called them gut strings.) They definitely are Sonores Corax where the the core is stabilized silk, nothing else. Sadly they are not available at this point. Thanks for the heads up! //Nisse