Icelandic saxophonist Kristinn Svavarsson (Mezzoforte) has died
The Icelandic saxophonist Kristinn Svavarsson, best known as the face of the jazz funk band Mezzoforte during their most successful period in the early 1980s, has died. News of his passing was announced by his wife, Þórunn Helga Gubjörnsdóttir.
Svavarsson was born on 15 December 1947 in Reykjavík and grew up in the Icelandic capital. From a young age, he was active in the music scene. During the 1970s, he played with various bands, including Pónik, Blúskompaníið, Mídas, which he co-founded in 1972, and Musicamaxima. As early as 1979, he collaborated with Mezzoforte as a guest musician on their self-titled debut album, followed by their second album “Í Hakanum”, later known as “Octopus”, released in 1980. In 1982, he officially became a full member of Mezzoforte, marking his breakthrough.
With his alto and tenor saxophone, Svavarsson became the recognisable face of Mezzoforte during their most glorious years. His saxophone playing was crucial to the band’s sound during their international success. The peak came with the single “Garden Party” from the album “Surprise Surprise” from 1982, which reached number 17 in the UK charts in 1983 and was even featured on the legendary BBC programme Top of the Pops. Keyboard player Eyþór Gunnarsson once described Svavarsson as a kind of vocalist equivalent for the band, so defining was his musical voice.
On the album “Surprise Surprise”, Svavarsson played a key role not only as a performer but also as a composer. He wrote the track “Gazing at the Clouds”, highlighting his creative contribution to the band. His role was equally essential on the follow-up album “Observations” from 1984. This album produced successful singles such as “Spring Fever” and “Rockall”, with the latter in particular being used as a signature tune by various European radio stations. Svavarsson composed the track “Distance” for this album, and his saxophone colours nearly all of the recordings.
After intensive touring and an exhausting schedule, Svavarsson decided to leave Mezzoforte in 1985. The band continued as a quartet, but his contribution to their most iconic period remains unforgettable for jazz funk fans worldwide.
After his musical career, Svavarsson focused on education. In 1990, he obtained his diploma from Kennaraháskóli Íslands, the Icelandic teacher training college, and in 1993, he further specialised as a music teacher with a focus on wind instruments. In addition to the saxophone, he also played the flute. In 200,7 he earned a master’s degree in pedagogy and in 2015 a qualification in public administration. From 2010 to 201,9 he worked as deputy head of Laugarnesskóli in Reykjavík.
Kristinn Svavarsson passed away at the age of 78.
