Svend Asmussen

Danish violinist, Svend Asmussen (1916-2017) died just short of his 101st birthday, and he had one of the longest careers of any jazz musician. He should be considered one of the finest swing violinists, along with players like Stephane Grapelli, Eddie South, and his two greatest influences – Joe Venuti and Stuff Smith. He was also a fairly accomplished vibraphone player, and occasional singer.

Asmussen’s career began in the 1930s on cruise ships, where he had the chance to perform with Fats Waller and Josephine Baker. He toured USA with Alice Babs in the late 1950s, and also worked with Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. In the 1960s, he was featured in various jazz violin summits, alongside peers like Grapelli, Jean-Luc Ponty and Ray Nance. He continued to perform into his mid-90s.

Key Recordings:

‘Duke Ellington’s Jazz Violin Session’ (Atlantic 1976)

‘Swingin’ with Svend’ (Zebra 1988) with David Grisman