Ted Olsen

Ted Olsen is a double bassist from Minneapolis, MN with an extensive background as both a performer and composer. His compositions create bright moments, with a penchant for melody and harmonic color, while still allowing for spontaneous interplay. Rhythmic vitality and an optimistic spirit are palpable in Olsen's playing—this is music steeped in jazz, but is not beholden to tradition—it is forward-looking, yet accessible. From over 50 original works penned, Olsen has released two albums of all-original music. His 2017 début garnered critical praise from the Minneapolis Star Tribune: “The sprawling yet cohesive songcraft on Ted Olsen's new album, "Joyfire," attests to why he won an American Composers Forum award five years ago and followed it up as a finalist for the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Awards in 2015.” Additionally, he self-released an EP “It’s Easy to Pretend” in 2020. Music from these albums garnered Olsen a 2020 McKnight Artist Fellowship in composition. He has been fortunate to share the stage with many stellar musicians, including: Michael Cain, Dayna Stephens, Javi Santiago, Leo P, John Raymond, Aby Wolf, Eric Mayson, Dean Magraw and Ian George.