Ulf learned to play piano by ear at four with the Kodaly-method and still plays by ear, mainly inspired by American music with roots in New Orleans and Texas rhythm’n blues, boogie woogie, blues, gospel, jazz and funk. He plays piano, Hammond organ, sings, whistles and composes.

Ulf earns a living as a composer, live musician and artist, touring internationally both as a solo act, as a duo with saxophone player Bo Gustafsson and with his band, Jump4Joy which has released eight albums, mostly containing original music composed by Ulf. He has been involved in backing a large number of American legends like Clarence “Frogman” Henry, The Drifters, Toni Lynn Washington, Elmore James Jr, Johnny Dyer and Albert King. Altogether he averages 140 concerts a year.

Ulf has spent a substantial amount of time in New Orleans, often staying with Clarence “Frogman” Henry who has been one of his most important mentors. The musical comedy styles of Louis Jordan and the Coasters and even the pre-historic R&B-rappers Boogalo and Dr Horse also shine through along with the style of Fats Domino. The energy, humour and variety of New Orleans is often evident in Ulf’s music regardless if he performs with a gospel group, a theatre production, a burlesque show or the Stockholm Symphony Orchestra.

His singing is soulful and his piano and organ playing energetic with great technique. He has received the prestigious Åmål’s Blues Award for lifetime achievement as an artist. On top of this he is an entertainer and verbal communicator that usually brings his audience to their feet at the end of a concert.

For more information see

www.jump4joy.se

www.ulfsandstrom.se