Orchestrator, Arranger, Conductor, Pianist
Olson’s great passion is the merging of classical and jazz. This led him to write a work for jazz piano and orchestra for pianist Mike Lang, which premiered at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The premiere of “Nardis” at Carnegie Hall, written for jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker and chamber ensemble “Music Amici,” also led to two groundbreaking albums of his own—which blend classical chamber ensemble and jazz soloists: “Sketches of Miles” and “Sketches of Coltrane” on Angel/EMI records. These are two tribute albums to two great artists, but Olson has made this music very much his own. This music brings a whole new audience of classical and jazz music lovers together through its beauty, excitement, and originality.
Now living in New York, this is what he continues to do today. He has worked in many genres: from writing jingles, to orchestrating movies and theatrical productions, to working in the recording industry with instrumental and vocal artists. He has recorded five of his own albums on the Manhattan/EMI, and Angel/EMI labels. His credits include jazz, choral, chamber and orchestral music.
Olson has conducted and played piano on many recordings. His musical spectrum is vast. He is a highly versatile artist.
Currently, he has teamed up with producer John Vanore and French horn virtuoso Adam Unsworth (2) on a project for jazz quintet and chamber orchestra.