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Axel Skalstad
Krokofant: 6
by Glenn Astarita
Krokofant is a Norwegian trio formed in 2011, built around the combustible chemistry of Tom Hasslan on guitar, Jorgen Mathisen on saxophone and synthesizers, and Axel Skalstad on drums. After two albums as a five-piece, they stripped back to their original trio format for 6, and the results are formidable. “Oh My God" announces itself immediately. A striking and melodic unison hook shifts across registers, giving the track a bold, gripping energy that does not let up. 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 ReadingKrokofant: Krokofant 6
by Glenn Astarita
Formed in 2011, the band--Tom Hasslan (guitar, bass), Jørgen Mathisen (saxophone, synthesizers), Axel Skalstad (drums, percussion)--fuses jazz-rock with progressive elements in a style as quirky as their name suggests. Krokofant 6 is issued by the fittingly-named Is It Jazz? label, marking a return to its core trio setup. This shift ignites a fiery improvisational spark, delivering a sonic assault that balances meticulous craftsmanship with thrilling unpredictability. Listeners may feel momentarily unmoored but will savor the electrifying impact. The ...
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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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
