Jarle Bernhoft, gifted and consummate guitarist, songwriter, artist, and all-round exceptionally likeable guy from Nittedal, Norway. A stylish, curious, whip-smart and inquisitive gentleman with a distinctive and timeless sound. A critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated, award-winning crowd favourite with a rock-solid discography and a decade's worth of sold-out tours behind his name.

You may have first come across a young Jarle as lead singer in the rock quartet SPAN. After the dissolution of the band in 2005, he went solo (and soul) as Bernhoft. It was at this moment that he began performing with live looping techniques, creating intricate and dynamic arrangements. The single "C'mon Talk" became a viral sensation that showcased just that, earning Bernhoft millions of views on YouTube and introducing him to a global audience.

This culminated in the international success of ‘Islander’ (2014), an album that explored themes of identity and self-discovery, mixing elements of folk, pop and R&B. The album received critical acclaim, further solidifying Bernhoft's reputation as a musical innovator and making him the first non-American artist to be nominated for Best R&B Album at the Grammys.

More recently, the Norwegian public has had the opportunity to get to know the man behind the music - and the glasses - better through the TV success "Hver gang vi møtes" and as a mentor on The Voice. In October of 2023, he released his sixth studio album "Avenue of Loveless Hearts", an album that captures a spectrum of soulful, pop-injected beauty. Bittersweet, witty and sophisticated, it reflects aspects of human relationships. A tour de force from a songwriter and performer who knows exactly when he's onto something amazing.

As one of our time’s best live artists, both solo and with band, Bernhoft is truly one to catch live when given the chance. With an abundance of variety in his catalogue, each set is a journey. And don’t disregard that your dancing feet may shake a little. Even seated.

Chicago

Performers