ABOUT
The Kristian Braathen Trio came together in 2008. This trio has developed its sound with influences from the Ray Brown Trio, Bill Charlap Trio, and Jacky Terrasson. Miles Black (piano) and Steve Holy (acoustic bass) are two of Canada's finest jazz musicians, and Kristian is thrilled to have them as part of his trio. The Kristian Braathen Trio performs original compositions, as well as intricate arrangements of jazz standards and contemporary music.
KRISTIAN BRAATHEN · DRUMS
After relocating to Vancouver from his hometown of Sechelt, Kristian received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Capilano University in 2004. While at university, he studied with jazz drummers Dave Robbins and Blaine Wikjord. After graduation, Kristian travelled to Los Angeles for a study intensive with world renowned jazz drummer Jeff Hamilton (drummer with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Diana Krall). Kristian later received a B.C. Arts Council Grant to travel to New York City to study with jazz drummer Kenny Washington (Tony Bennett, Bill Charlap).
During a hiatus from his studies at Capilano University, Kristian performed in exotic places such as Tahiti, Grand Cayman and New Orleans from 1998 to 1999. In addition, Kristian toured extensively in Canada and the United States with the Russell Jackson Band (former bassist with BB King) from 2000 to 2003, where he performed with such names as renowned jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison (Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Terence Blanchard) and Matt 'Guitar' Murphy (The Blues Brothers).
As a jazz musician in Vancouver, Kristian regularly performs with musicians such as Miles Black, Jodi Proznick, Tony Foster, Russ Botten, Sharon Minemoto, and David Sikula. From 2008 to present, Kristian has led his own jazz trio, Kristian Braathen Trio. In 2015, he released his debut album, 'Tempus Fugit', which featured pianist Miles Black and bassist Jodi Proznick. This album has been featured on such radio shows as CBC's Hot Air and the renowned jazz radio station out of Seattle, KPLU. His new album, 'North of 49', featuring Miles Black on piano and Steve Holy on acoustic bass, premiered September 27, 2026 at Frankie's Jazz Club in Vancouver.