One of the giants of European jazz, Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek will take to a Hungarian stage again on 7 April, at the Bartók Spring International Arts Weeks. In Müpa Budapest’s concert hall he will be joined by a frequent collaborator, percussionist Trilok Gurtu. Ten recordings can only offer a glimpse into a career of almost six decades, but they should convince you that this distinctive musical universe is to be experienced live as often as possible.

Beast of Kommodo (1970)

Following his early days in free jazz, Garbarek was looking for his own voice on a record that features another great of Norwegian jazz, guitarist Terje Rypdal. His playing was still powerful – as in this sumptuously constructed composition.

Hasta Siempre (1974)

On this record with pianist Bobo Stenson, Garbarek is still on his way towards his signature soft, airy sound, and the result is a lavish, spiritual jazz album, with this song a true gem on it.

Long As You Know You’re Living Yours (1974)

Keith Jarrett founded his European quarteti with Garbarek and two other Scandinavian musicians, and their debut album, Belonging, became an instant classic. This very groovy song was to be often cited (hello, Steely Dan!).

For Turiya (1981)

If, as it is probably evident by now, Garbarek was a man of collaborations in the 1970s (take such great records for evidence as the 1975 Solstice with Ralph Towner and the 1978 Of Mist and Melting with Bill Connors), he had also developed his own, minimalist, ambient sound during the decade, bringing a trophy to the roster of the ECM label. This album, the second with Charlie Haden and Egberto Gismonti, was recorded in 1979 and represents a folk-infused version of his sound.

Wayfarer (1983)

Collaboration with Bill Frisell was inevitable, and in the course of a few albums, the guitarist became an important partner in the further development of Garbarek’s sound. This is one of their most rewarding efforts.

Voy Cantando (1988)

Garbarek’s playing will stand out even in the more synthetic, new-age world of the 1980s, and this song is a good example.

Molde Canticle Part 5 (1990)

Infused with folk and classical music, I Took Up the Runes from 1990 is a key record of Garbarek’s middle period, with the five-movement Molde Canticle as its central piece.

Raga I (1992)

Though he made his debut on Norwegian singer Karin Krog’s 1966 album, Garbarek can seldom be heard with singing voices. This record with Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, however, proves that he can get on the vibe when he decides to join a singer.

Sanctus (1994)

He took the experiment with voices to its logical conclusion in this collaboration with the Hilliard Ensemble, the early music choir.

Once I Wished A Tree Upside Down… (1991)

Finally, here’s a recording with Trilok Gurtu, to give a taste of the worlds that will rendezvous at this concert.