Jazz Articles
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Datadyr: This We Know
by Glenn Astarita
Norwegian jazz trio Datadyr delivers a compelling sophomore album with This We Know, refining their sound into a sophisticated gem of modern fusion. Guitarist Odd Erlend Mikkelsen, bassist Øystein Høynes, and drummer Amund Nordstrøm draw from their Bergen roots, blending American blues, country and jazz with a cool Nordic reserve. Their previous album, Woolgathering (Is It Jazz?, 2022), played like a musical resume, displaying skills in a scattered fashion. This follow-up sharpens the focus, prioritizing compositions over showmanship--as if the ...
Continue ReadingSoft Ffog: Focus
by Glenn Astarita
Soft Ffog, a Norwegian jazz-prog quartet from Bergen, emerged with their self-titled debut in 2023. Led by guitarist Tom Hasslan, the band features keyboardist Vegard Lien Bjerkan, drummer Axel Skalstad and bassist Trond Frønes. With nods to 1970s giants like Camel, Focus Soft Machine and Mahavishnu Orchestra, they blend intricate prog rock with improvisational jazz, evoking a retro spirit that feels fresh rather than dated. Their 2025 sophomore album Focus sharpens this vision across four sprawling tracks, marking ...
Continue ReadingThe Verge: The Verge
by Glenn Astarita
The Verge, a Scandinavian jazz-rock band from Norway, has carved a distinct niche with its self-titled debut album. Featuring Emil Storløkken Åse on guitar, Aksel Rønning on saxophone and flute, Alf Høines on bass guitar, and Ingvald André Vassbø on drums, this quartet delivers a compelling fusion of fiery jazz improvisation and rock influences that demands attention. The album commences with “Nessesse," a track that bursts through the speakers with a galloping beat and psychedelic tones. It creates ...
Continue ReadingShakai: Fragments
by Glenn Astarita
Shakai is a Japanese word for society, and Fragments, is an album that lives up to its name, presenting listeners with a collection of musical pieces that, while individually intriguing, struggle to coalesce into a truly satisfying whole. It is a blend of jazz-rock that is both soothing and intricate. The Norwegian quintet, led by bassist Eline Rafteseth, brings together a diverse set of influences, creating a sound that is both eclectic and accessible. The album features Elisabeth Lid Tronen's ...
Continue ReadingErland Dahlen: Raccoons
by Glenn Astarita
In the ever-expansive landscape of contemporary music, where genres seamlessly merge and boundaries dissolve, Erland Dahlen stands out as a nouveau explorer. His fifth release serves as a testament to the Norwegian musician's exceptional artistry and his fearless foray into uncharted musical territories. Dahlen's collaborative efforts have spanned across the Norwegian and international music scenes, featuring notable partnerships with artists such as Nils Petter Molvær, Arve Henriksen, and Eivind Aarset, among others. His drumming style is renowned for ...
Continue ReadingBushman's Revenge: All the Better For Seeing You
by Glenn Astarita
The eleventh album from the celebrated Norwegian trio Bushman's Revenge is an entrancing exploration of avant-garde jazz and rock fusion. Released in September 2023, the album highlights the band's prowess in pushing boundaries while delivering a raw, energetic musical experience.The trio--guitarist Even Helte Hermansen, bassist Rune Nergaard, and drummer Gard Nilssen---demonstrate a remarkable synergy throughout. Their collective improvisational skills create an electrifying atmosphere which engages the listener from start to finish.The album's tracks exhibit a dynamic ...
Continue ReadingSoft Ffog: Soft Ffog
by Glenn Astarita
Guitarist Tom Hasslan (Krokofant) drummer, Axel Skalstad (Krokofant) bassist, Trond Frønes (Red Kite, Grand General) and keyboardist Vegard Lien Bjerkan (WIZRD) debut on this new sub-label (It It Jazz?) by the venerable Nordic prog rock label Karisma. The musicians formed this unit back in 2016 but for various reasons took some time getting it together. Respectively, they have resided within the heart of Scandinavian progressive jazz, jazz rock and offshoot genres, also performing with the noteworthy ensembles noted above. Coinciding ...
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