Critically-acclaimed saxophonist and composer, Norwegian Grammy Award winning artist
Martin Myhre Olsen is a saxophonist and composer from Leirsund, based in Oslo. His work unfolds in the space between composition and improvisation, shaped by a deep commitment to collective interplay and contemporary jazz expression.
Educated at the NTNU Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, he has toured extensively across Scandinavia and Europe, releasing a number of albums as a bandleader and collaborator. For several years, he served as musical director of the MNJ Youth Orchestra, refining his voice as a composer and arranger. He has also appeared on stage as a soloist with Chick Corea.
In 2018, he received the Norwegian Grammy (Spellemann) for Best Jazz Album with the quintet Hegge and was named NTNU Ambassador at Jazzfest for his artistic achievements. His work also includes creatively distinctive arrangements for larger ensembles such as the Trondheim Soloists, the Oslo Jazz Ensemble, and his own MMO-Ensemble.
He is currently involved in projects including Rohey Taalah & Martin Myhre Olsen, Wako, Lost Quartet, MMO-Ensemble, Telehiv, 3 Days of Maceration, Siril Malmedal Hauge and Oslo Jazz Ensemble.
“It certainly looks like Olsen is cementing his position on the large orchestral Jazz scene and if this is his early period, the sky is the limit.”