Carl Morten Iversen

Carl Morten Iversen was a Norwegian jazz musician, and the son of jazz violinist Arild Iversen. He was known from numerous recordings and had long been central to the Oslo Jazz scene.

Career

Iversen – known as CMI among friends – was born in Oslo, and began playing as an accompanist for folk singers from 1965. Among others, he played with Lars Klevstrand at Moldejazz in 1968 and 1973, and attended an album with Lillebjørn Nilsen in 1974.
He got into jazz in 1970, and studied jazz in the United States until 1972. When returning, he played in a variety of bands from 1973, including with the Balke brothers, Jon Balke Quartet and Ditlef Eckhoff Quintet 1973–74, Magni Wentzel Quintet 1974–76 and 1979–84 with the album Sofies plass, Guttorm Guttormsen Quartet 1974–80 with the albums Soturnudi and Albufeira. With guitarist Jon Eberson he has released duoalbums Jazz for men, Standards and the live recording Levende på Fyret. He attended the album Live with Magni Wentzel Sekstett.
Iversen was president of Norsk Jazzforbund 1972–75, twice the president of Foreningen Norske Jazzmusikere 1979–1981 og 1989–1993, and also the editor in charge of the Jazznytt magazine. For several years, he was the president of the Norwegian branch of PEN International. He also served as the president of Norges Kunstnerråd.
After his death, his instrument is being lent to aspiring young talents for periods of 5–7 years. This is administered by Norsk Jazzforum. The first musician to have this honour is Johannes Elnan.