“A masterful union of fire and ice”, is how Jacob Edgar described the Latin music of the Icelandic bassist/composer Tómas R. Einarsson (1953), in his liner notes to Putyumayo Presents Latin Jazz. When Putumayo World Music released its first Latin Jazz CD they included Rumdrum from Einarsson´s Havana CD. The Icelandic bassist is the only European representative and the company could not be more exclusive; Tito Puente, Machito, Ray Barretto etc. Einarsson´s Latin jazz records (Kúbanska, Havana, Romm Tomm Tomm and LIVE!) have earned accolades from Latin jazz critics in the United States and Latin America.

Tómas R. Einarsson has released 17 records with his own music; straight-ahead jazz, Nordic ballads, jazz & poetry and collaborations with singers. His music has been arranged for big band and DJ´s have remixed his Latin music. Einarsson has played and toured extensively with his Latin group, performing at festivals and clubs in Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway, Russia, Germany, Romania and Cuba. Einarsson´s last release is Laxness, with his music to the documentary film Anti-American Wins Nobel..

See also myspace.com/tomasreinarsson

Icelandic Music Awards 2012: Jazz composition of the year

“A mandatory CD for all Latin jazz collectors.” : Rudy Mangual, Latin Beat Magazine, August 2010

Strengur includes twelve songs for double-bass, percussion and water sounds. Einarsson recorded different water-sounds in the countryside where his ancestors lived and these sounds mix with the percussion and the double-bass which here is the leading voice. On the DVD one can listen to the music and follow the movements of the water. Strengur was performed for the first time at the Reykjavik Arts Festival 2011 (wach video here) and has already earned accolades from critics:

News 10. jan 2012: Icelandic Latin Jazzer in Best CD List