M U S I C I A N S

"Caesar" Andersson is the island's housepianist and entertainer. He holds the world record for the number of variations on the "Maiden from Backafall" theme at the same session and can handle an accordion in the same free and easy manner. He has built up an international reputation as a jazz pianist after many years in Fessor's Big City Band, the well-known Danish trad band. His steady, nimble-fingered style creates a tinkling backdrop for his intricate vocals. You just wouldn't believe the way he's blended influences from the early roots of jazz and blues with echos of contemporary reggae and afropop -- but he sure has... Book "Caesar" on +46 418 72489

Thomas "TIM" Elfstadius has moved from Hven, but returns for a month or so every summer as guest artist at the island's various venues, usually with his wife, the actress Carina M. Johansson. As composer, pianist, theatre musician, arranger and stage artist he continues to add gloss to and elevate the island's levels of entertainment. Tim's manipulative piano playing and his interpretations of not only Danish ballads, jazz and soul classics, but also contemporary nuggets of theatre music and classic masters allow us to soar to celestial heights where the muses of music, humour and poetry can share their delight with us to the tones and songs of this blessed bon viveur. So when these two giants of the stage, Tim & Caesar, play double pianists the earth moves and show biz shakes. Tim Elfstadius can be booked on +46 31 162036.

The trombone player, Fredrik John, is a legendary figure on Skåne's musical scene. Fredrik and his long sweeping "lure" (his trombone) and his elegantly energetic way of playing sends wannabe dancers into trances transforming village barndances into New Orleans Mardi Gras. His last visit to "Hoddan," where he appeared with Caesar, Gottlow, Gert Stavebring and Bosse "the Drummer," also demonstrated that same glamourous and swinging charisma that we've come to expect. To the public and his musician colleagues, his cheeky and witty repartee is a source of true merriment and encouragement in an otherwise bleak existence. He is a truly sophisticated envoy for Jazz and Swing Music whose roots are firmly planted in Skåne's rich loam. Fredrik John and Orchestra.-- Booking: +46 46 145514