As we continue our series celebrating the defining works of Jazz Middelheim’s headliners, we turn to Jan Garbarek — the Norwegian saxophone master whose ethereal soundscapes and boundary-pushing collaborations have redefined jazz for nearly five decades. Rooted in the avant-garde and inspired by jazz greats like John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, Garbarek’s music blossomed into a unique fusion of Nordic folk melodies, spiritual depth, and modern improvisation. Ahead of his much-anticipated performance at Jazz Middelheim, here are five pivotal albums that capture the essence of Garbarek’s artistic evolution.

Witchi-Tai-To (1974) – [listen here]

Bobo Stenson (piano), Jan Garbarek (sax), Palle Danielsson (bass), Jon Christensen (drums)

In the early seventies, Garbarek’s journey to find his own voice accelerated with his partnership with ECM Records and a circle of Scandinavian innovators. Witchi-Tai-To showcases this moment where the fierce energy of his avant-garde roots meets an emerging melodic clarity and atmospheric subtlety. Interpreting compositions by Carla Bley, Charlie Haden, and Don Cherry, Garbarek’s playing balances free expression with recognizable themes and accessible structures. This album is widely regarded as a milestone in both ECM’s catalogue and jazz history — the birth of what would become ‘the Nordic sound’.

Belonging (1974) – [listen here]

A landmark collaboration with pianist Keith Jarrett, Belonging introduced the so-called European Quartet, blending Jarrett’s expressive, harmonically rich piano with Garbarek’s crystalline saxophone tone and lyrical simplicity. This album was the first of several for ECM that would define a uniquely European approach to jazz improvisation and composition. The chemistry between the musicians created spacious, contemplative music that remains a touchstone of modern jazz.

Folk Songs (1981) – [listen here]

Charlie Haden (bass), Jan Garbarek (tenor and soprano sax), Egberto Gismonti (guitar and piano)

Garbarek once said, “The only element of jazz I keep is improvisation.” His endless search for new sounds led him deep into the realm of Scandinavian folk music — prized for its raw authenticity and elemental power. Folk Songs distills that purity, with Garbarek’s vibrato-free, fluid saxophone tone pared down to its essence. The interplay between Garbarek, Haden, and Gismonti produces a mesmerizing blend of jazz and folk traditions, where delicate textures meet unexpected exoticism, particularly through Gismonti’s 12-string guitar.

Officium (1994) – [listen here]

Garbarek’s fascination with spirituality and transcendence culminated in Officium, a groundbreaking collaboration with the Hilliard Ensemble, renowned interpreters of Renaissance vocal music. Inspired by both John Coltrane’s late spiritual explorations and Gregorian chant revival, this album marries the austere beauty of modal Renaissance motets with Garbarek’s long, haunting saxophone lines. Recorded in a resonant Austrian monastery, the spacious acoustics are an integral part of the sound, wrapping the listener in a profound, meditative experience. Officium became a worldwide phenomenon, crossing boundaries between jazz, classical, and sacred music.

Dresden: In Concert (2009) – [listen here]

Jan Garbarek Group: Garbarek (sax, willow flute), Rainer Brüninghaus (piano, keyboards), Manu Katche (drums), Yuri Daniel (bass)

Although Garbarek is celebrated for his diverse studio collaborations, his live performances with his classic quartet remain central to his artistic identity. Formed in 1978, the Jan Garbarek Group crystallized this live energy, but it wasn’t until 2009 — marking ECM’s 40th anniversary — that a live album captured the full scope of their sound. Dresden: In Concert is a two-hour tour de force, revisiting and radically reinterpreting compositions from across Garbarek’s catalogue. Like Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert, it is an immersive document of creativity, intimacy, and the dynamic power of a Garbarek concert.

Catch this icon live at Jazz Middelheim on Sunday June 8.

Jan Garbarek’s performance at Jazz Middelheim promises a mesmerizing journey through Nordic landscapes and beyond. Expect delicate folk-infused melodies, spiritual depth, and a masterclass in improvisation from one of jazz’s most visionary voices. From the icy fjords to ancient chants, Garbarek’s music invites listeners to experience jazz as a timeless, borderless language.