Björn Meyer
Born in Sweden and based in Switzerland since 1996, Björn Meyer is acclaimed for his category-defying musicianship, expanding the sonic and expressive possibilities of the electric bass. His pivotal ECM solo album Provenance (2017), produced by Manfred Eicher, reimagines the instrument in dialogue with acoustic spaces — what Meyer describes as a “second member” in his solo performances. The album has taken him to audiences worldwide, from the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Ronnie Scott’s in London to Istanbul, Yokohama, Tehran, and beyond.

“.. Meyer has taken a unique approach to composition for solo bass guitar. It is one that will move the instrument forward as much as it will move the listener emotionally.” - John Marley, Jazz Views

Alongside his solo career, Meyer has forged long-lasting collaborations across diverse musical landscapes. He has worked extensively with Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem and, for three decades, shaped contemporary Swedish folk music with Bazar Blå. He leads the intercultural ensemble Garden of Silence, co-founded the Swiss quartet NEN, and continues to be active in projects with Afghan German singer Simin Tander, English trumpet player Tom Arthurs, Iranian kamancheh-player Misagh Jolaee and guitarist Mahan Mirarab, American harpist Park Stickney and many others.

Meyer was a defining force in Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, contributing to the first seven albums and over a decade of international touring, and has maintained an enduring creative partnership with Swiss composer and musician Don Li.

Awarded the Swiss Music Prize 2019 and the Canton Berne Music Prize 2018, Meyer continues to redefine the voice of the electric bass across cultures, genres, and traditions.