Welcome!
Vossa Jazz is pleased to be able to invite you to this year's jazz palm weekend, which contitutes the 37th consecutive Vossa Jazz Festival. As always, the Vossa Jazz programme rests firmly upon the two musical pillars of jazz and traditional ethnic music - while allowing for unpredictable improvisations in all directions and genres.
Charlie Haden Quartet West
For 2010's opening concert, we are very proud to welcome Charlie Haden Quartet West to the stage. Bass virtuoso Haden originally started up the Quartet West in 1986. He started out as a bit of a sensation when he entered the Ornette Coleman quartet in 1959 and continued with prominent artists like Don Cherry, Dewey Redman and from 1968-73 with Keith Jarrett. The Quartet West has visited Vossa Jazz before and our only regret here is that it has taken this long for their awaited return. Famous Norwegian author and music buff Frode Grytten holds this year's introducion speech.
Ingrid Olava
Ingrid Olava has proven a fine singer-songwriter in the best sense of the term. After a stint as back up singer in various bands she released her debut «Julia's wishes» in 2007 to overwhelming response and over-the-night fame and a well-deserved nomination for the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy, Spellemannsprisen. This year sees her follow up to «Julia's wishes» and the audience can expect vibrant dark tunes from a gifted tunesmith with a golden voice.
Side Brok
To those used to hip-hop in various American versions with references to the rough areas of Los Angeles and Bloods and Cribs and what not – expect something quite different from Norwegian intellectual redneck rappers Side Brok. Side Brok means «sagging trousers» in the rural dialect of Hovdebygda, from where the linguistically keen lads from the band hale. Although impossible to translate to the non-Norwegian speaking guests at Vossa Jazz we highly recommend you check them out!
Motorpsycho/Super Silent
One of the most anticipated gigs this year is undoubtly the combo Motorpsycho/Super Silent. Experimental rock phenomenon Motorpsycho is joining forces with experimental jazz noise makers Super Silent and the result will be both exhilarating, challenging and mind-blowing. And that's not even exaggerating!
Klumpaniet
Klumpaniet is a constellation of former members of other constellations, all of whom have Vossa Jazz as a common denominator. ElektroOmpaniet and Sonic Stories are originally local bands and the anticipation among the loyal audience is huge.
Afenginn
Afenginn comes from Denmark although their old-Nordic name hints at their diverse influences. This name means intoxication and strength and the quintet performs as if high on life! Since their start in 2002 they have won Album of the Year for the record Retrograd in 2005 and in 2009 the Danish Music Award for Reptilica Polaris. This should be a mind-expanding experience so don't miss out on Afenginn and their eclectic etnic music flavoured with traces of Nordic melancholy and joyous madness!
Tore Brunborg & Scent of Soil
Please welcome to the stage: Tore Brunborg & Scent of Soil! Although an ensemble of accomplished jazz musicians the musical landscape is fairly heavily influenced by their keen interest in alternative rock and other less describable genres. As can be denoted from the name, another important source of inspiration for Scent of Soil is nature, not so much the moral aspect as a pure hommage to the splendour of Mother Earth.
Jazzmob
Sextet Jazzmob was founded back in 1998 and has meanwhile released a number of critically acclaimed albums such as «The truth» and «Infernal Machine». Their self-composed music is inspired by a line of artists from Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix to Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. A number of well-known Norwegian jazz artists have visited Jazzmob including Mats Eilertsen, Jarle Vespestad and Ingebrigt Håker Flaten. Check out this year's strong combo at Voss!
Frode Grytten
Popular author and music afficinado Frode Grytten brings to Voss, along with his own words, a very own beat band!
Mari Persen
Last year saw the fairly well-hidden treasure from Voss, Mari Persen, revealed as she released her debut album. Having formerly worked as a string arranger on profiled rock acts Madrugada and Sondre Lerche as well as fiddle player and singer on various projects, she now immersed with self-penned songs influenced by both Disney cartoons and the streets of Buenos Aires, where she lived and studied for a while. The result is as eclectic and exciting and the album received outstanding reviews. Why not eat breakfast out this Saturday morning? Good food and good music was never a bad combination!
Gammalgrass
For those who know just a bit about the Norwegian jazz scene, the three members forming Gammalgrass should be familiar: Stian Carstensen (Farmers Market, Mike Patton, Joshua Redman), Ola Kvernberg (Hot Club de Norvege, Jimmy Rosenberg) and Ole Morten Vågan (Motif, Bugge Wesseltoft). They have slightly abandoned jazz in its strict sense to give you a fierce performance where bluegrass and folk music are essential ingredients. Get ready for a show-off gig not often seen in any necks of any woods!
Stein & Mari
Very simply two amazing instrumentalists with pretty amazing voices to go with it. Rumours around town were flying high after last year's performance at the annual Nattjazz festival in Bergen, and what more exciting than booking an up and coming duo to Voss? They have yet to release any albums so believe the myth and go find out for yourselves.
Commissioned Badnajazz (Children's Jazz)
Mentioned Side Brok and front man Sjef R. Have joined forces with elementary schools in Voss and nearby Ulvik. The idea is to give kids the chance to delve into their inner musical depths with the guidance of a professional musician. Internationally acclaimed and one of Norway's most treasured poets Olav H. Hauge is the main theme for the concert - with a hiphop frame! Always a winner audience wise, make sure you book your ticket early for this one.
UngJAjazzJA
This is the local initiative to arise awareness on jazz among the youth. This have proven a growing success. A festival like Vossa Jazz depends on recruiting new enthusiasts both for the audience, the volunteers and the performers. Through workshops and rehearsels throughout the year the kids get to appreciate both listening and playing themselves. An exciting program!
Naoko Sakata
Japanese piano player Naoko Sakata moved to Sweden in 2008 with immense skills and ambitions in her suitcase. She teamed up with Anton Blomgren and Johan Birgenius, a trio that has since won Young Nordic Jazz Comets. Brad Mehldau and Tord Gustavsen are mentioned to give you a clue to what direction the move in. Lyrical, beautiful, soothing, exciting.
Håvard Stubø Quartet
Coming from a family with rich musical traditions it's no wonder Stubø from a young age managed to get noticed on the jazz stage. The guitarist has a degree from no 1 jazz academy in Trondheim, and his quartet released the album «Way up (Way down)» in spring 2009. One critic reckoned this just might already be one of the best albums of the year! Catch some groovy, acoustic jazz at the exclusive Osasalen today.
Espen Eriksen with Eva Bjergan Hauge
This new constellation is put together by experienced musicians who just a few weeks ahead of Vossa Jazz will release their album «You had me at goodbye» on acclaimed label Rune Grammofon. The collaboration with jazz singer Eva Bjergan Hauge came through the initiative from former Vossa Jazz boss Lars Mossefinn, so a certain anticipation is expected.
Commissioned work: Karin Krog & John Surman
Perhaps of all concerts throughout the festival this is the one the audience and critics hold in highest regard and therefore also have high expectations to. To present two artists like jazz singer par excellence Karin Krog and ditto sax player and composer John Surman does not do anything to lower the anticipation. Since Krog emerged on the stage in 1955 she is no other that Norwegian jazz grand dame and has performed with too many artists to start mentioning any. British-born Surman was coined «probably the best baryton sax player since Gerry Mulligan» by All about Jazz Magazine in september 2009. The duo has worked together before and Surman has this to say about the commissioned work SONGS ABOUT THIS AND THAT:
«Probably the title of the project tells the full story. We have decided simply to present a collection of new songs with different moods and atmospheres. We enjoyed a recent cooperation with the Bergen Big Band whose members included Ivar Kolve, Magne Thormodsæther and Stein Inge Brækhus, so we have invited these three plus the Oslo based guitarist Bjørn Klakegg to join us in the adventure. Both Karin and I are really excited about the possibilities and the songs are growing by the minute.»
Josefine Lindstrand
Josefine Lindstrand awarded Best jazz singer of the year 2009 and her debut album «There will be stars» from 2008 has gotten great reviews both in Sweden and internationally. Next to playing with Danish Sekten, she has worked closely with Django Bates. Her quirky pop/ jazz can be enjoyed live at Park on Saturday!
Vozzakvarts
Folk music group Kvarts are getting together especially for Vossa Jazz this time with a crew addition to jazz up their folk repertoire! They have released a total of 6 albums and won 2 Spellemannsprisen and for those about to folk: get your act together!
Vincent Courtois Quartet
«What do you mean by silence?» is the somewhat cryptic subtitle to the French quartet's latest project, lead by the Parisian cellist Vincent Courtois. The temperament changes from song to song, from open, eerie spaces one minute and something like drum'n'bass the next. The exciting combination cello, vocal, trombone and drums makes for wonderful music – especially Courtois's ability to get the cello to sound like Jimi Hendrix was playing it!
Needlepoint
This trio is firstly based around Bjørn Klakegg's wonderful guitar playing. It's easy to draw comparisons to Metheny and Bill Frisell, but this is an energetic band with some of Norway's finest treating the instruments – from bass and drums to kitchen utensils and fishing poles. March 2010 sees the debut album «The Woods Are Not What They Seem», so a completely fresh set for those who are lucky enough to catch at Voss today!
Mikko Innanen & Innkvisitio
Innanen is without doubt Finland's most energetic sax player and with his German co-sax player and rocking backin duo, make way for a powerful experience. The two saxphones battles and cooperates equally, the keyboard and drums tag elegantly along and wraps it all together. Perfect for a late Saturday night at Fraktgodsen!
Noora Noor
Noora Noor has already had a extensive career in Norway, and after a few years hiatus she's back with a vengeance. Her latest album «Soul deep» got raving reviews and her live performances are famous, especially after last year's show in Oslo during the annual presentation of the latest, hot stuff on the Norwegian scene. Vossa Jazz was quick to book her after this. Be prepared for steaming R&B and a crowded house!
Sigrid Moldestad
Sigrid Moldestad is a vibrant and versatile artist with exceptional communicative abilities. New songs, old songs, strong and beautiful stories. Her fiddling and singing bring out both tears and laughter. Moldestad was awarded the Norwegian Grammy 2007 for the album "Taus". In her latest project she has recorded songs by Robert Burns, lyrics of Norwegian poet Jakob Sande and her own songs and instrumental tunes. Her rapport with the audience is quite extra-ordinary and her soft voice makes it worth the trip regardsless of your lack of Norwegian language.
Mathilde Renault & Jonas Knutsson
The cooperation between Swedish sax player Jonas Knutsson and Belgian pianist/singer Mathilde Renault has resulted in an album. Her voice can sometimes remind you of Maria Joao and this combined with his main-influences being Swedish folk music, all these factors builds up to a gorgeous experience.
Bobo Stenson
Bobo Stenson is one of Sweden's absolute jazz aces. Since his raise to the stage in 1963 he has played with artists like Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz and Gary Burton as well as a long-lasting collaboration with Don Cherry during his Scandinavia period in the 70s. He was part of Charles Lloyd Quartet and since 1996 with Tomasz Stanko's septet/sextet and it is with great anticipation Vossa Jazz presents Bobo Stenson going solo!
Sidsel Endresen & Håkon Kornstad
To great improvisers get together in the intimate venue Osasalen this Sunday afternoon. Vocalist and sound artist Endresen meets sax explorer Kornstad for a unique experience. This will be a journey into a sound landscape that hardly can be explained in advance. The only thing to recommend is that you get there early as there are limited seats here. All the more exclusive for those who get there in time!
Mike Mainieri
As a 20 year-old young Mainieri was appointed best instrumentalist in DownBeat Magazine. This paved the way for a long career in jazz. In the late 70s he formed Steps Ahead with Michael Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Steve Gadd and Don Grolnick. This ”all-star”-band soon grew a large and devoted fan base. In 2006 Mainieri released the album ”Northern Lights” with several Norwegian artists and this band has been touring Europe on a regular basis. And this time: Voss next!
Mari Boine
For 25 years Boine has been an artist and embassador for Sami music and regardless of genre, one of Norway's finest singers. Her music has always been fiercely proud of her heritage, seeking to celebrate Sami culture while bringing it to a wider audience, fired initially by her anger at the contemporary treatment of their traditions. Her 9th album «Cuovgga Áirras» (Sterna Paradisea) is yet an example of this. The great reviews should be further evidence that she does not rest on her laurels. Do not miss out on one of Vossa Jazz's highlights this year!
Duke Ellington's Sacred Concert
Sacred Concert is a musical master piece by Duke Ellington, composed especially for a series of church concerts in the USA in the 60s. «The Duke» wanted to create a fusion between Christian traditions and psalms and jazz. The combination of big band and church choir stirred controversies but Ellington claimed that this was his most important he had ever made. You now have the chance to hear this reconstructed in the NAIN church – a powerful jazz concert with over 100 choir singers, Hardanger Big Band and different solo singers. Halleluja!
JazzIntro
Norsk jazzforum (the Norwegian jazz federation), Rikskonsertene (Concerts Norway) and five of the biggest jazz festivals in Norway collaborate on this competition that presents up and coming artists. The winner gets a launching package worth several hundred thousand Norwegian krone and is the most prestigious competition among young artists in the jazz field. The two bands competing in Voss both have come from The Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, OffTopic is inspired by the 60s jazz scene and motsol lean towards impro and free jazz. The winner will participate in the grand final at this year's Moldejazz. See tomorrow's stars today!
Kåre Kolve Quartet
Local sax player Kolve has been performing a good 20 years and worked with artists like Randy Brecker, Guy Barker and Vinnie Colaiuta. He released his debut album «My Direction» in 2009 with a return to the acoustic jazz, what might be coined European jazz a la Keith Jarrett and Jan Garbarek. He performs with an exciting backup band consisting of experienced although young musicians from the renowned Trondheim Jazz Academy.
Preus & Kråkevik
These two ladies have seperately had long, successful careers and to devoted fans them performing together on the same stage is something of a happening. Preus's compositions and guitar playing has earned her both awards and great sales, and Kråkevik is well-known both as an entertainer, interpreter and singer. These church concerts always get sold out, so get there early to get a seat.
Andy Sheppard
After listening intensely to John Coltrane, 19 year old Andy Sheppard went out and bought himself a soprano saxophone and the rest is not history, but an ongoing and increasingly exciting musical story. He tours hard and plays soft. The inexhaustible Sheppard is also an accomplished composer and he is as diverse as the artists he has played for – Carla Bley, folk guru John Martyn, violin virtous Nigel Kennedy – he even showed up on a tribute album to the New York Dolls! «Movements in colour» was released on ECM spring 2009 to standing ovations. Please welcome to the stage: Mr Andy Sheppard!
Flat Earth Society
«Flat Earth Society is a Belgian big band ensemble founded and led by Peter Vermeersch. They mix the rich Belgian brass band (HaFaBra) tradition with characteristic topsy-turvy creativity.» Thus reads the wikipidia-entry. Any band that chooses to associate themselves with the movement that still thinks the earth is flat is bound to have an agenda a bit different from the rest of us. High tempo big-band extra-ordinaire will enter the stage at Fraktgodsen Sunday evening - hurrah!
Contact us for more inquieries!
trude@vossajazz.no
kari@vossajazz.no
presse@vossajazz.no
Tel: +47 52 56 99 11
