Totti Bergh

Born on 5 December 1935 in Oslo, Norway, the musician first took up the clarinet before settling on tenor saxophone, an instrument choice prompted by early encounters with jazz recordings. During the early 1950s he performed regularly with local jazz ensembles in Norway, and toward the end of the decade he worked aboard passenger vessels traveling the Norway–New York route. While in New York he gained deeper exposure to the music through direct contact with leading players. Even so, scarce opportunities prompted a shift in 1962 to a position as finance manager for the Norwegian branch of a British firm. He nevertheless continued to perform whenever possible, providing support for visiting British and American artists. He also maintained a steady partnership with his wife, the singer Laila Dalseth, heading a standing quintet behind her. Full-time professional status resumed in 1990. Since then he has appeared across Scandinavia, the USA and the Far East, both in tandem with Dalseth and as a soloist, at clubs, concerts and festivals. Among the musicians he has joined are George Masso, Al Cohn, Louis Stewart and Plas Johnson. A sensitive ballad interpreter and a dependable straight-ahead swinger, he delivers a full, breathy tone and shapes phrases with elegance and insight; his work supporting his wife’s vocals is equally assured.