Short biography

Håkan Broström started out on piano in his small Swedish home-town before, at the age of 15, he got hold of a tenor saxophone in order to join a local blues band. Ever since, he has been playing saxophones of all sizes but, early on, made the alto and the soprano his main instruments.

While still a teenager, he became a student at the College of Music in Malmö, where one of his teachers was Helge Albin, alto saxophonist, composer and leader of the Tolvan Big Band.

At this time Håkan co-founded the quintet Equinox, which also featured tenor saxophonist Tomas Franck. After settling in Stockholm in 1984, Håkan soon established himself as one of the foremost saxophonists on the scene, fronting his own combos and playing with the groups of trombonist Eje Thelin, trumpeter Gustavo Bergalli, guitarist Ulf Wakenius, and others.

He was also a member of the Swedish Radio Jazz Group, the Stockholm Jazz Orchestra, and other big bands, and he played blues and reggae music with singer Peps Persson. In 1993 Håkan joined the ranks of the Norrbotten Big Band, fronted by American trumpeter Tim Hagans. Besides leading the saxophone section on alto and soprano, he is a heavily featured soloist and he also contributes arrangements and compositions.

 Over the years, many well-known Swedish jazz musicians have joined the groups led by Håkan Broström, mainly playing music from his pen. His current quartet includes pianist Jacob Karlzon, bassist Palle Danielsson drummer Bengt Stark.

 Together with saxophonist Johan Hörlén, Håkan also fronts a quintet, Birdsongs,who plays  music assiciated with Charlie Parker and the Be Bop era.