Carl Petter Opsahl


Carl Petter Opsahl is a Norwegian priest, jazz musician and journalist.

Career

Opsahl was involved in the establishment of "Caledonia Jazzband" and toured in New Orleans, whereupon he settled there and played in the "All Star Brass Band". Later he established the Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag and "Soulfood", together with Christian Frank, Bjørn Olufsen and Wollert Krohn-Hansen. He released his debut solo album Indigodalen with self-composed traditional folk music where he collaborated with Tord Gustavsen, Åsmund Reistad, Ingar Zach and Eline Monrad Vistven. It was followed by Improvisions containing melodic free jazz recorded at the 'Sister Churches' in Gran. In 2008 he released the album Love, the Blues together with Tord Gustavsen and the drummer Jon Christensen.
Opsahl was central to the support measures for the city of New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina. Han er til daglig gateprest i Kirkens Bymisjon, samt jazzanmelder for Verdens Gang and received Molderosen for this work. He has also taught jazz history at the University of Oslo, as well as written the textbook En fortelling om jazz, and is editor of the book En god dag. Fortellinger til inspirasjon og ettertanke and received a Doctor's degree in theology 2012, with a thesis on spirituality and hip hop culture, "Dance to My Ministry: Exploring Hiphop Spirituality." In 2002–03 he was a visiting scholar at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York.
Opsahl has written the melody of the hymn "Bortom tid og rom og tanke".

Discography (in selection)

Solo albums

;With Caledonia Jazzband
;With Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag
;With Zotora