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Haakon Graf has just released his new album "License to Chill", his first album in 15 years. Hear five amazing samples from the album.

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Keyboard Player Magazine reviews Haakon Graf:
"Graf is a spirited and intelligent player. Rather Than exhaust the audience with non-stop flash, he builds his solos carefully, keeping the listener interested from beginning to end. He has chops two spare, but never scoundrels them. I Can `t wait to Hear more from him."

The Coast Radio, Las Vegas reviews Haakon Graf:
"Haakon's talent is never ending, he has great passion for his music. He is one who's talents need to be recognized in his ability to write and create great compositions. The Coast Radio and myself MJ have enjoyed his music and his interview. Haakon is very professional, and I wish him all the best in his projects to come and hope to hear more of him in 2011."

Haakon Graf born in March 1955 in Oslo, currently resides in Los Angeles, United States, can must surely be considered a musical legend, especially in the jazz genre. He is a multi-instrumentalist: playing guitar, bass, drums, percussion, in addition to his incredible skills on piano, organ / keyboards.

Haakon is also a songwriter and producer, involved in numerous projects at home and abroad. Composing (in addition to playing keyboards in the band) of most of the music of Ruphus `s first 3 discs "New Born Day -1973", ''Ranshart -74'' and ''Let Your Light Shine -76". They received great acclaim at home and in several European countries, including Germany.

He has also played in the band " Moose Loose "including Jon Eberson. Haakon and Jon E. later started the band "Blow Out" featuring the legendary drummer Jon Christensen and bassist Sveinung Hovensjoe.

Late 1975 came " Hawk On Flight " with bassist Matz Nilsson, drummer Niels Nordin and guitarist Ulf Wakenius.
This constellation released 2 albums: " In Time For Howk On Flight " Polygram 1977 and H.O.F. on Amar Records 1981.

Haakon has worked with Paal Thowsend on several of his discs, and received the Grammy award for best album in the jazz genre. The tune "Nearly In Rio" composed by Graf, was specifically highlighted the rationale for the price. Haakon was a Grammy judge in the jazz category in 1998.

ECM guitarist Terje Rypdal invited Haakon to his band in 1978, when the lineup was: Jon Christensen drums, Palle Mikkelborg trumpet, Sveinung Hovensjoe bass. Haakon also collaborated with ECM saxophonist Jan Garbarek and drummer Jon Christensen. The Trio performed mostly in Norway, in addition to a Soviet Tour in 1980.

Haakon has released several albums with his project Graffiti.

With changing lineups from 1983, Graf invited monster drummer Dennis Chambers and bassist Gary Grainger to record and tour.
The CD " Good Groove " was started based on the trio, but Graf invited guitarist Ulf Wakenius for additional recordings and tours in 1990 and 1992. Grafitti toured the US and Germany in 1994 combined with a formal release of the CD " Good Groove " on AMM Lipstick Records.

He has a long musical career behind him, and is considered " a musicians musician ". He has played with many famous international artists on various projects including Roger Daltrey (The Who), Alan White (YES, John Lennon), Jamie Moses (Queen), Natasha Beddingfield, Phil Collins, Mark Hudson (Aerosmith), Simon Kirke (Bad Company), Munyungo Jackson (Stevie Wonder) and Daniel de Les Reyes (Sting) to name a few.

Haakon has also toured with the legendary guitarist Frank Gambale known as the inventor of Shreddingtechnique, voted the world's best electric guitarist in "Guitar Player Magazine" several years on a roll. Frank Gambala contacted Graf Grafittis during a concert at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles in 1994. The collaboration led to tours in the U.S. in 1994 and in Scandinavia in 1995.

Graf has also toured with Paul Jackson and Mike Clark, bassist and drummer in Herbie Hancock's " Headhunters " known for legendary recordings as "Thrust" ++

Haakon Graf was the performing musical director for several jazz clubs in Oslo, Norway in the 80's and 90's. Hothouse, Jazz Alive and Blue Monk.

"License To Chill" is a mix of several influences Graf has been exposed to and studied the last 4 decades: Brasilian, Cuban and American R&B / Funk / Jazz in addition to norwegian lyrical folkmusic.

Graf has Walfredo Reyes Jr playing drums & percussion. " Wally " has an amazing tracksheet having played and recorded with artists like Celia Cruz, Tania Maria, Santana, Steve Winwood & Traffic, Johnny Holiday, Frank Gambale and many many more.

Bassist Chris Stefanetti from the Bay Area, resided in LA at the time the recordings took place, and adds a powerful and virtous voice to the project.