Gunhild Carling
Biography
Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed Swedish jazz superstar, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose electrifying performances bridge the Roaring Twenties with the modern era. Known as “Sweden’s Queen of Swing,” she masterfully plays over ten instruments — including trombone, trumpet, bagpipes, harp, and recorder — often playing three trumpets simultaneously. A featured sensation with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox and a dynamic bandleader in her own right, Carling’s high-energy shows blend New Orleans jazz, vaudeville charm, and breathtaking virtuosity.
Gunhild Carling, affectionately known as “Sweden’s Queen of Swing,” is an internationally celebrated jazz musician, singer, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist who has captivated audiences worldwide with her boundless energy and extraordinary musical prowess. Born into a deeply musical family in Gothenburg, Sweden, she began performing as a child, making her recording debut on the trombone at just nine years old. Today, she is a masterful virtuoso on more than ten instruments, including the trombone, trumpet, recorder, bagpipes, harmonica, harp, piano, and upright bass. She is perhaps most famous for her jaw-dropping ability to play three trumpets simultaneously while maintaining perfect pitch and harmony.
Carling’s career is a testament to her versatility and showmanship. She gained widespread recognition in her native Sweden through prominent television appearances, including a celebrated performance at Allsång på Skansen and a third-place finish on Let’s Dance (Sweden’s Dancing with the Stars). Her international profile skyrocketed when she joined Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, delivering viral, show-stealing performances of pop classics reimagined in vintage jazz styles, such as ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
Beyond her viral success, Carling is a deeply respected jazz artist and composer. Her foundation is rooted in traditional New Orleans jazz, swing, and the influences of legends like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. She frequently tours with her own big band, performing her original compositions alongside jazz standards. Her recent album, Jazz Is My Lifestyle, features eleven original tracks and garnered critical acclaim.
Carling has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and events, from a royal celebration for King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden to a sold-out show at the Blue Note Milano. Whether she is tap dancing, singing a heartbreaking ballad, or leading a rousing second-line parade through the audience, Gunhild Carling does not just play jazz — she embodies its joyful, exuberant spirit.
Career Highlights
They Say
“Gunhild Carling is one of the most important musicians and ambassadors for the arts in the world today. She is recognized globally for her outstanding musicianship as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, entertainer.”Scotty Barnhart Director, Count Basie Orchestra
“Without fear of exaggeration, I can honestly say that Gunhild Carling is an exceptional musician and entertainer with a truly unique talent. I have worked all over the world with stars like Liza Minnelli and Tony Bennett and can honestly say that Gunhild is unlike anyone I’ve seen in my over forty years in show business.”Billy Stritch Pianist/Singer, New York
“The show-stealer is a Swede named Gunhild Carling, who doesn’t just sing, but also plays trombone. And trumpet. And harmonica. And recorder. And bagpipes. Oh, she tap dances, too… Her performance brought most of the crowd to our feet.”Paul Harris Online Postmodern Jukebox Concert Review
“During her two hour set at Catalina’s, Gunhild Carling sounded like a joyful prophet, reminding me of how far jazz has fallen from the exuberant happiness that jazz is supposed to bring… Carling brought the joy back to jazz.”George W. Harris Jazz Weekly
“Like the aurora borealis, Swedish swinger Gunhild Carling lit up the night sky over Syracuse’s Clinton Square… Besides being a supremely gifted performer, Gunhild Carling is also an accomplished composer and arranger.”Russ Tarby The Syncopated Times
“One big takeaway of the evening was Carling’s abundant old-school professionalism. She obviously knows how to keep an audience entertained… She plays the music she loves with plenty of heart and intelligence.”Katchie Cartwright All About Jazz
In the Press
“As close to contemporary swing royalty as it gets”
“A one-woman orchestra with the energy of an entire big band”
“Her playing is spot on, her vocalizing terrific and her songs are well-crafted and catchy”
Audience & Reach
Gallery
Instruments
Production
Solo / Guest Artist
Requires 2 mics (Shure SM-58 Beta), adjustable boom stands, 1×1m wooden tap board, music stand, and high-quality stereo sound reinforcement with 2 floor monitors.
Big Band
Requires 8×8 drum riser, 4×4 tap board, 2-level riser for horn sections, 5 monitor mixes, and a baby grand piano (tuned prior to arrival).