Saxophonist and composer, born in Mysen, Norway. In 1967 he joined the Scandinavian orchestra led by US avant-garde composer George Russell, and in 1970 worked in the USA for a while under such leaders as Keith Jarrett (1945-- ) and Don Cherry (1936-- ). Since returning to Europe he has formed successive small bands which have explored influences from India, South America, and Scandinavian folk roots, often using electronics. He is one of the few European jazz musicians whose work has influenced his American contemporaries.