Åke "Kometen" Persson

It’s good timing to pay tribute to the trombone player Åke Persson (1932–1975). This year he was awarded the Django d' Or Legend Of Jazz which was expected since it was 30 years ago he passed away.

Åke was a strong personality who left Hässleholm in the south of Sweden to take the Stockholm jazz scene by surprise in 1951. Bass player Simon Brehms quintet was the first group and in no time Åke went from promising and forward trombonist to a world class jazz soloist. He got the nickname “the Comet” which was a perfect name.

Sax player Arne Domnérus orchestra was next stop for Åke and then tenorist Hacke Björksten. With him he made a recording of "On The Alamo" which is a real diamond in the Swedish jazz history.

Åke played lead trombone in the Harry Arnold radio big band and his way of phrasing became standard, the ultimate lead playing with rhythmic jazz nerve, and rock solid timing in an American way. When Quincy Jones heard Åke he asked him to join his all-star European big band.

After that Åke moved to Germany where he played with the RIAS big band in Berlin 1961–1975. At the same time he made his most important work during his career, with the Kenny Clarke – Francy Bolands Big Band which was one of the greatest big bands of all times. Åkes eminent playing fitted in perfectly which can be heard on a number of records. Also when Count Basie and Duke Ellington toured Europe they brought Åke along – of course, he was breathing jazz.

Åke returned to Stockholm in 1975 but sadly never documented his unique playing. On a February day a black cloud swept over the jazz heaven, Åke had been found in his car on the bottom of the Djurgården canal.

A musician’s heart had stopped beating. We, by the time aging fans, will never forget the Comet from Hässleholm. The fact that Björn pays his tribute to Åke makes me feel very warm –
the legacy of Åke has passed on.

Göran Olson