Radka Toneff

Country of origin:

Norway

Type of music generally:

Jazz

Status:

Radka Toneff died in 1982.

Comparisons:

Overall sound a little like early Holly Cole—pretty standard jazz sound

Covers/own material:

Covers

General comments:

One of the most talented Jazz artists Norway has ever had. So sad she died so early. Radka Toneff was 30 years old when she died. Jazz musician, singer, piano player and composer, she started to study the piano at the age of seven from Hans Solum and later she finished her study at the Concervatorium of Music in Oslo.
     In 1976 she started her own quintet together with A. Anderson (Bass, people might know of him because he has played in the U.S.), J. Eberson (guitar), J. Balke (piano) and E. Rud (drums, percussion). They played at Molde International Jazz Festival and did a TV show.
     In 1978, she performed on Swedish TV and at some Swedish festivals.
     In 1979, she performed at Malmoe, Sweden and Montmartre, Copenhagen, released the album It don't come easy.
     In 1982, a long working relationship with the Swedish-American piano player Steve Dobrogosz resulted in the quiet album Fairytales. The same year she got an award for her work as leader of the Norwegian jazz society.
     She lived a short life but she will be remembered for what she did both musically and for the Jazz itself. Her musical work is just beyond words. If you see one of her albums and you are interested in jazz—get it quick! (onealien@mo.himolde.no)

Recommended first album:

Live in Hamburg

Recordings include:

• It don't come easy
• Fairytales
• Live in Hamburg

Live in Hamburg

Release info:

1993—Odin Records, Norway—Odin NJ 4044-2

Availability:

Norway

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended for jazz fans

Group members:

Radka Toneff—vocals

Guest artists:

Steve Dobrogosz—piano
Arild Andersen—bass
Alex Riel—drums

Produced by:

Michael Naura

Comments:

If you're a fan of mainstream jazz, you will love this. Her vocal interpretation is great and she has a voice that she uses perfectly for this type of music. This does displays a range of songs from Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman", Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman", the traditional "Bulgarian Folksong" to the Latin rhythms of "Havana Candy". (Neile)