Akira Sakata (JAP) – alto saxophone, Bb clarinet, voice
Johan Berthling (SWE) – double bass
Paal Nilssen-Love (NOR) – drums & percussion
The trio had it´s debut during Molde Jazzfestival in July 2013 and entered the studio just a few days later to record the album “Arashi-Storm” which is released on Trost Records on both CD and vinyl.
The trio had a flying start and produced their second CD only 2 years later. This was named “Semikujira” and was also used as a soundtrack for a contemporary movie, shot in Okinawa. The trio has toured Europe and Japan several times. The trio´s recently released on TROST records, a live recording where Takeo Moriyama joined the trio. Double drums! This was done on the trio´s tour in Japan in 2019. The trio also toured Japan in November 2024 to release the double LP with Moriyama. The trio did several concerts in Norway in spring and Japan in the fall of 2025.They will tour Europe in September 2026.
The music is improvised and of high energy. All three players are known for their stamina and will to push themselves and the music beyond traditional boundaries.
Akira Sakata, born in 1945, represents the hard core of Japanese free jazz and has a reputation of never leaving the stage dry. Through the work with pianist Yosuke Yamashita and drummer Takeo Moriyama, he has toured throughout the whole of Europe and US. Now, with a new trio, Europe and elsewhere will be able to experience the strength of Japanese free jazz.
Johan Berthling has for many years established himself as a powerful player through bands like Nacka Forum, Sten Sandell trio, Tape, Fire! and Fire! Orchestra.
Paal Nilssen-Love is one of Norway’s most active drummers and has established himself as a powerful and a most dynamic musician through regular groups with Mats Gustafsson, Ken Vandermark, Peter Brötzmann and Terrie Ex amongst others.
“Arashi” means “storm” in Japanese—a name that describes the music quite well.
Akira Sakata is a legend in the realm of free improvisation and free jazz; now 81, he plays better and more powerfully than ever, remaining a veritable volcano behind the saxophone and clarinet. He also incorporates his voice, occasionally quoting old Japanese folktales and poems in a highly theatrical and dramatic manner. No two Arashi concerts are alike. Since forming in 2013, the group has performed worldwide—across Europe, Mexico, Japan, and Norway.
Johan Berthling and Paal Nilssen-Love have been playing together since their early twenties. Johan is also known for his work with FIRE!, Nacka Forum, Ghosted, and numerous other bands; he serves as the rock-solid foundation of Arashi. Paal is a fiercely energetic drummer who pours his heart and soul—and plenty of blood and sweat—into every performance, of which there are many.
Book a place at studio@rorane.se
Admission fee 220 SEK