Ella the Cat

This group brings their own flavor to the typical Be Bop jazz stage using original and creative new material as well new takes on the classics. The creative freedom and improvisation from all the group players is an important and integral part of the music. Some influential role models are Quincy Jones, Miles Davies, Lambert, Hendrix & Ross, Ella Fitzgerald, Freddie Hubbard and Art Farmer. In 2011 the band released the debut album Farmers Market that was greeted with outstanding reviews! "Steve is my new favorite band!" Orkesterjournalen (****) "I play it over and over again, Fantastic!" Smålandstidningen (*****) In 2013 the new album Ella the Cat hits the market. It includes five new original tunes as well as new arrangements of classics such as Black Coffee, This Masquerade and Up Jumped Spring. Members of the band: Anders Ellman (flugelhorn and cornet) has recently made a name on the Swedish jazz scene as a member of the three-horned group Ellman-Larsson Constellation where he partners with base trombone veteran Sven Larsson and saxophone player Cecilia Wennerström. ELC plays in the Swedish style of Rolf Ericson, Lars Färnlöf and Lars Gullin. The group released its’ debut CD in 2009 named “Consequences”. Karina Kampe (vocals) is a very versatile and talented singer well acquainted with the language of jazz. As a gifted composer and lyricist Karina contributes to Steve’s repertoire with original musical pieces. She has also produced new lyrics to previously non-vocalized songs by Wayne Shorter, Frank Rosolino and Miles Davies. Karina released the album As Silent as Dawn came with the group Three Small Giants in May 2008 and met great reviews from the Swedish press. Karina also sits in with bands throughout the jazz and pop scene. Karina is a graduate of the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston USA. Petter Carlson (piano, alto horn) has during the last year played in most Swedish jazz venues with the Claes Lindqvists nonet where both his piano and horn playing is in focus. Petter is also a member of the Peter Asplund/Martin Sjöstedt Dektett, which focuses on music in the style of Marty Paige. As comfortable in the classical style as in jazz Petter was a member of the Norrköping symphony as a horn player in the 80’s and 90’s. Arranging is another of his talents. Petter has his training from the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm and the University of Miami. Ulf Hammarstrand (Double bass) is an adaptable and musical bass player with much experience from both jazz and pop groups. Ulf has also collaborated with the very prominent guitar player Johan Leijonhufvud who recently has had great success In Germany. Ulf has his training from the university of music in Malmoe, Sweden. Mats Jadin (Drums) has talents as well in theater as in music. Many Swedish jazz stars have had the pleasure of being backed by Mats’ perceptive yet forceful drums. Worth mentioning are Bernt Rosengren, Jan Allan, Peter Gullin and Anders Ullberg. A part from Steve Mats also joins singer Helena Eriksson’s quintet where the legacy of Swedish singer Monica Zetterlund is cherished. Mats is also a permanent member of the Skotte acting company.