Freysteinn Gíslason

Freysteinn Gíslason

Musicians | Instrument: Bass, acoustic | Location: Reykjavik

The album is a challenging listen but there are rewards to be had, there are moments of poetic and melodic beauty among the sometimes brutalist soundscapes: seek and thy shall find.

 

—Simon Defty

Updated: November 21, 2024

Born: May 20, 1982

My music is personal, poetic, melodic, original, and provocative.It's full of unique stories that take you on a journey of unexpected places.

Freysteinn is a talented musician who has dedicated his career to mastering the art of double bass. He began his studies at Félag Íslenskra Tónlistarmanna (FÍH) in Reykjavík, Iceland and completed them in 2012. The following year, he traveled to Holland to pursue a Bachelor's degree in music for double bass at The Royal Conservatorium of Den Haag, which he successfully completed in 2016.

Not content with just a Bachelor's degree, Freysteinn continued his studies at the Escola Superior De Música De Lisbon ESML in Portugal, where he started his Master's degree in Double Bass.

As a musician, Freysteinn has performed at numerous jazz festivals throughout Europe, including the Reykjavík Jazz Festival, Dola Jazz in Norway, and the Vilnius Jazz Festival in Lithuania. He has also performed as a leader and session player in several countries, including Holland, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, and his native Iceland.

Freysteinn's passion for music is evident in his dedicated pursuit of excellence in his craft. But Freysteinn's commitment to music goes beyond his academic achievements. He has performed at numerous jazz festivals and venues throughout Europe, showcasing his style and creativity as a bassist.

Freysteinn's passion for music is contagious, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to aspiring musicians and music lovers everywhere. His commitment to music and his unwavering pursuit of excellence are a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to connect people from all backgrounds and cultures.


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All About Jazz Articles

1
Album Review

Freysteinn Gíslason: Að einhverju/To somewhere

Read "Að einhverju/To somewhere" reviewed by Glenn Astarita


Emerging from Iceland's volcanic landscape--a land where glaciers and geysers conspire to create heavenly magic--Freysteinn arrives with their third sonic missive, Að einhverju/To somewhere. This is not your grandmother's jazz album; it is a musical expedition that pirouettes between traditional Icelandic folk whispers, rock and a progressive jazz swagger. Along with the melodic complexities of prominent guitarist Hilmar Jensson, the band crafts a soundscape that's equal parts cerebral and visceral. The title track “Að einhverju/To Somewhere" unfurls like ...

18
Album Review

Freysteinn Gíslason: í allar áttir en samt bara eina

Read "í allar áttir en samt bara eina" reviewed by Glenn Astarita


Allar Áttir En Samt Bara Eina is an LP by Freysteinn Gíslason, an Icelandic bassist known for his unique approach to music. His band often blends various influences into the program, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and experimental sounds. His bass playing is known for its depth and versatility, often creating intricate melodies and rhythms which captivate listeners.The LP title, which translates as “In All Directions but Still Just One," suggests a diverse exploration within a unified theme. ...

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To Somewhere

From: Að einhverju/To somewhere
By Freysteinn Gíslason

Bylur

From: í allar áttir en samt bara...
By Freysteinn Gíslason