Formed in 1975, Heavy Joker was a Danish jazz fusion and prog rock band founded by former Thors Hammer and Tyggegummibanden members Michael Bruun (guitarist) and Henrik Bødtcher (bassist) with Max Leth, Jr. (vibraphone/keyboards) and Jan Sivertsen (drums). Originally intended as a side project, Heavy Joker signed with Polydor Records and released their debut album, Heavy Joker, in 1976. Although Max Leth, Jr. was the main creative force behind the album, he departed Heavy Joker and was replaced by keyboardist Jørgen Kaufmann. The new lineup of the band collaborated with Danish pop vocalist Peter Klixbüll on the album Jumbo before Michael Bruun left and was replaced by saxophone player Jens Haack. This version of the band recorded the second proper Heavy Joker album, Caesar’s Palace, released in 1978. The band split up shortly after the release of the album.
