Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Jarle Bernhoft started his career as an angst-ridden rock frontman before switching to a unique one-man band style of retro-soul that he alternated with a full backing band. He achieved his commercial breakthrough after teaming up with bandmate Fridtjof Nilsen to co-found Span, with whom he released 2004's Gil Norton-produced Mass Distraction and 2005's Top Ten follow-up, Vs. Time, before disbanding. After reinventing himself as a classic soul man with his 2008 solo debut, Ceramik City Chronicles, he found worldwide fame when he appeared solo on The Ellen Degeneres Show to perform a track from his second LP, Solidarity Breaks. He relocated to Brooklyn, New York for the release of his next full-length, 2014's Grammy-nominated Islander. ~ Marcy Donelson