Members and Gear

Mikael Karlsson, guitar, vocals
Mikael is 33 years old, living in Helsingborg. Playing guitar, writing songs and then recording them, has been his major intrests for the better part of his life. A 1 ½ year stint at MIT in Los Angeles at the young age of 21, strenghtened both his ambitions to become a better musicians as well as writing his own material. The creation of Mikael Karlsson Band and the choice of better recording facilities, are steps on his way, while writing and performing high-class material and ultimately get the world to get to know about it! Mikael´s other major musical outlet is the established bluesband Bluesministrarna. Major influences: Pat Metheny, Eric Johnson, Brian Wilson, EST, Coltrain, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and all great melodic music!



Örjan Mjörnheden, bass
Örjan is 55 years and lives in Örkelljunga, his original hometown. Although a late starter as a bassplayer, he always used to dabble with a bass whenever one was lying around. Orjan claims that his innate sense for rhytm as well as a genuine liking for the musical function of the bass, came to good use when time came to try to become a serious bassplayer. Although his first instrument is the guitar, he took a deep liking to fine role models as the great Jack Bruce and Tim Bogart (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus) already in his early teens. Steady, driving and melodic bassplaying of the old school is what he´s aiming for. With a sparkling red Fender Jazzbass and later a goldtop Jack Casady Epiphone signature model, and a year on his way, Örjan got bassgigs also in other bands, which was exellent training. As a bassplayer, Mikael Karlsson Band, proves to remain his most challenging and rewarding band.. There is always new and intresting material to tackle and playing in a trio is a really fine way to develop, he says.

Per-Olof Borg, drums
Per-Olof Borg, 42 years, lives in Stidsvig. He is an energetic, wellrounded sticksman with a sensitive touch and a great attitude. Per-Olof is the son of Sven Borg, a regionally well-known jazzdrummer during the 50-ties. Sven used to perform with several regional bands and fine players, but also with sax-great Lars Gullin and pianist Åke Nilsson (Vildkaktus, Monica Borrfors and dad to famous singer Lisa Nilsson). Per-Olof has kept time with several fine bands in the area, among them Fun Club, Tellus Y, Waterdog and Edgar. At the present, he also plays with gospelgroup Kefas. He and Orjan got to know each other in the beginning of the 90-ties when they both were members in local bands Gryllingarna and Oskar Typing Band. Per-Olof has been integral for Mikael Karlsson Band to get a distinctive sound, thanks to his remarkable talent to support the songs with tasteful, sensitive drumming.

Gear
Mikael: American Fender Stratocaster, Martin acoustic, Bogner amp, Fender deluxe amp 50 W. Örjan: American Fender Jazzbass, Epiphone Jack Casady , Ibanez electro-acoustic, Fender Bassman 250 W amp, Yorkville 100 W amp. Per-Olof: Gretsch and Yamaha drums.