Hans Mathisen
A Norwegian guitarist who channels the spirit of jazz greats into his own serene and intricate musical landscapes.
Born 1967 (age 59)·Musical artist·Birthday: July 27·Generation X
Biography
Hans Mathisen is a craftsman of atmosphere, a Norwegian guitarist whose work exists in the spacious, melodic tradition of jazz masters like Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery. Educated in Trondheim's renowned jazz program, he honed a style that is both technically assured and deeply emotive. His music often feels like a Nordic soundscape—clean, contemplative, and beautifully structured, favoring lyrical melody over frantic improvisation. While inspired by greats, Mathisen has developed a distinct voice across a series of albums as a leader. He is also part of a remarkable musical family, with several brothers who are accomplished jazz musicians themselves, making the Mathisen name synonymous with quality Scandinavian jazz.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Hans was born in 1967, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hans Was Born
The biggest hits of 1967
#1 Movie
The Jungle Book
Best Picture
In the Heat of the Night
#1 TV Show
The Andy Griffith Show
Hans's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1967Born
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1972Started school
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1980Became a teenager
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Could drive
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1985Could vote
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Turned 21
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1997Turned 30
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 40
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2017Turned 50
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 59 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released multiple solo albums as a leader, including 'Quiet Songs' and 'Tales of Time', showcasing his melodic guitar style.
- Performed and recorded as a key member of the Norwegian jazz scene for decades.
- Educated at the prestigious Jazz program at the Trondheim Music Conservatory.
Did You Know?
He is the brother of noted jazz musicians Per Mathisen (bass), Nils Mathisen, and Ole Mathisen.
His guitar style is frequently noted for its strong influence from American jazz guitarist Pat Metheny.
He has performed at major jazz festivals and venues across Norway and Europe.
“The space between the notes is where the feeling lives.”
