Archive for the ‘IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS’ Category

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEAL SECOND SINGLE  FROM UPCOMING AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS ALBUM

Posted: February 10, 2023 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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“Moonshine Movement” is the second single from “Do You Dream in Colours”,  the upcoming album from  AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS,  and, according to Røed himself the track is a “groovy alibi for the album itself”, as he explains:

The tune consists of a single bass line and a simple drum groove. Sigurd exerts a steadying influence, but makes sure to stir things around and shake things up.  Barnes rips straight into a solo with a mind-bending alto horn, whilst the rest of the wind section tightly underscore the solo before an arranged B-section comes in and sets the band up for yet another solo round.  This time it’s  both Lauritz and Aksel who step to the fore, and again…the B-section follows before the trumpets howl their way towards a drum solo finale.

The tune is meant to be long and static, inspired by the calmness of the Johan Lindstrøm Septett, and the roughness of Angles 9.  With Sverre insisting on keeping the bass line heavy and clear for 8 minutes straight, you just can’t miss it. Hopefully you will enjoy the spaceflight upon which the soloists embark.

Very little arrangement has been done for this tune, it’s a vehicle for full-blown soloing on top of a somewhat “naive” groove. The piece stays very much the same (at least what’s written) until 6 minutes in, then we get a different melodical space for Sigurd to blast some drums until we tie it up for the last blast from the horn section. It feels like it’s never going to end, and you will wish it wouldn’t.

“Moonshine Movement” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://link.isitjazzrecords.no/Aksel-Roeds-Other-Aspects_Moonshine-Movement

“Do You Dream in Colours” will itself be released on Is it Jazz? Records on the 17th February in CD, LP, and Digital formats. Recorded at the Duper Studios in Bergen,  and with cover photo by William Østensen and cover design by Tom Korsvold, tracklisting is as follows:

1. Goiserer Jodler / To Whom This May Concern
2. I Usually Paint by Myself
3. Bergen is the Prettiest in Blue
4. Moonshine Movement
5. When You Dream in Colours

Pre-orders for “Do You Dream in Colours” are now available at

Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://akselroedsotheraspects.bandcamp.com

Whilst studying at the Grieg Academy, Aksel Røed’s original intention on forming OTHER ASPECTS back in 2019 was simply to write music for one of his academic projects.  But,  given that he had, in fact,  created an octet that included in its ranks not only some the finest young Norwegian musicians, but also others with a renowned track record, proved to be too much of a temptation for the much sought-after Jazz saxophonist and it quickly became the main focus of Røed’s attention.

OTHER ASPECTS is the largest project, in terms of band members,  that Røed (GENERAL POST OFFICE, DAG ARNESEN) has been involved with. Aside from Røed himself,  the lineup of OTHER ASPECTS, includes his brother Lyder Øvreås Røed on trumpet and flugelhorn,  Andreas Hesselberg Hatzikiriakidis on second trumpet, Sigurd Steinkopf on drums, Sverre Sæbø on bass,  and Isach Skeidsvoll on piano. Aside from Røed himself on tenor sax, the saxophone section is made up of Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvoll (BEAR BROTHER, MASTER OOGWAY) on soprano and tenor, and Michael Barnes (BERGEN BIGBAND) on baritone sax and bass clarinet.  Barnes, who Røed describes as an “Aussie who writes the best scores for large ensembles in Bergen”, also happens to be Røed’s long time mentor and friend.  

Musically Røed finds insipiration in the old saxophone recordings of Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, and in the composition styles of Django Bates and Charlie Hadens Liberation Orchestra, but OTHER ASPECTS bears Røed’s hallmarks, with music that constantly drifts into different and surprising directions.  As he recently explained:

The music is composed but not set, meaning its perfectly acceptable,  and even encouraged, to think and play outside the box. Most of the magic within the band lies in the free improvisation. 


The next live appearance of AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS  will be on the 22nd of February, when the band will celebrate the release of the album with a show at the at Bergen Kjøtt.

Details about the show can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/515411937343038?ref=newsfeed

More information about AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671
Band Contact:  akseltr@hotmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS SET TO RELEASE DIGITAL EP FROM JAZZ TRIO DATADYR

Posted: January 31, 2023 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Norwegian jazz trio DATADYR was the second signing on the newly formed Is it Jazz? Records back in 2022, and the label went on to  release the young band’s first album “Woolgathering” in June of that year. 

DATADYR’s music ranges from the heartfelt and gentle to the energetic and explosive, and it’s rarely far between those extremes.  The  debut  album itself was a collection of the trio’s favourite songs, which they had written early on in their careers.  As such, it showcased the kind of music its members were influenced by, both as individual musicians and as a band.

“Woolgathering” did, in fact, provide a smorgasbord of atmospheric jazz and Americana with a retro post-pop feel, and, needless to say, there was an abundance of tracks to choose from, some of which, both band and label thought would be perfect for a follow up EP. 

Hence,  on the 24th February, Is it Jazz? Records will release four of those tracks as a digital EP titled “Keymaster”.

As the band explained:

When we entered the studio to record our debut album we knew we had too much material to fit on a record, and now the songs we decided to leave out are being released as an EP!

We also had the pleasure of having Mathias Marstrander play some beautiful pedal-steel on Tamagochi Dream!

We’re looking forward to releasing the rest of the songs from the album recording-sessions and hope you like them!

Recorded at the Solslottet studio at Bergen Kjøtt with Iver Sandøy as the engineer and producer, and w ith cover art by Eigil Nordstrøm and band photographs by Olav Vikingstad, tracklisting on “Keymaster” is as follows:

1. Keymaster
2. Tamagotchi Dream
3. Onkel Amerika
4. Free Folk

“Keymaster” is now available to pre-order at https://orcd.co/keymaster or Bandcamp at https://datadyr.bandcamp.com/album/keymaster

With all three members having studied jazz at the Grieg Academy, DATADYR’s lineup of Øystein Høynes on bass, Amund Nordstrøm on drums and Odd Erlend Mikkelsen on guitars, have garnered experience in bands such as KRYPTOGRAF, DREAMARCHER, ATARI, CORT PIIL and SHAKAI.  By combining their extensive studies with their accumulated experience, the trio has been able  to create a sound characterized by traditional jazz, along with newer directions in the genre, as well as improvisation. 

More  information about DATADYR  can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLXhM4Pd4bZxJ0UEkAzgpg
Booking: datadyrepost@gmail.com
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEAL DETAILS OF ALBUM AND NEW SINGLE FROM AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS  

Posted: January 13, 2023 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When Aksel Røed (GENERAL POST OFFICE, DAG ARNESEN),  first formed OTHER ASPECTS in 2019, his intention was to write music for a school project at the Grieg Academy, but, having created an octet that had in its ranks not only some the finest young Norwegian musicians, but also others with a proven track record, the much sought-after Jazz saxophonist found himself unable to put it to one side.

In fact, OTHER ASPECTS became the focus of Røed’s attention to such an extent that in 2020 the band entered the Duper Studios in Bergen and recorded their debut album.  Titled “Do You Dream in Colours”,  and due out on Is it Jazz? Records on the 17th February, curious listeners can today get a taste of what to expect with the release of the track “I Usually Paint By Myself”, which  can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of sources at:

https://fanlink.to/Aksel-Roeds-Other-Aspects_I-Usually-Paint-By-Myself

Røed gave us an insight into the track itself, and how it was created:

“I Usually Paint By Myself”, is a bluesy piano trio ballad inspired by the old free jazz aesthetic  where easy melodies are intertwined without free parts, leading to a grand finale at the end. The tune starts with the horn section playing a rubato line followed by an easy and “kind to the ear” melody played by Lauritz and Lyder. Isach comes in after the melody and plays a solo in a typical jazz form. But he is allowed to tear up every rule we’ve established by doing whatever the music calls for. The accompaniment simply has to follow along since there is no written chord scheme. I trusted the guys. As Miles Davis said, “the composition is the band”. 

The only criteria is that the solo part should be sort of bluesy. We tie it all together when the backing from the horns comes in at a little before 4 minutes. Then the gospel harmony is soulfully introduced by the piano whilst  the horns are blowing their hearts out. The whole ends on a fiery and heavy tonic. As the title implies, I sometimes sit alone and paint (whatever it might be, sounds or pictures), but not always, and then it’s good to have seven of your mates backing you while you paint for dear life. 

The lineup of OTHER ASPECTS, which is the largest that Røed has been involved with so far, includes his brother Lyder Øvreås Røed on trumpet and flugelhorn,  Andreas Hesselberg Hatzikiriakidis on second trumpet, Sigurd Steinkopf on drums, Sverre Sæbø on bass,  and Isach Skeidsvoll on piano. Aside from Røed himself on tenor sax, the saxophone section is made up of Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvoll (BEAR BROTHER, MASTER OOGWAY) on soprano and tenor, and Michael Barnes (BERGEN BIGBAND) on baritone sax and bass clarinet.  Barnes, who Røed describes as an “Aussie who writes the best scores for large ensembles in Bergen”, also happens to be Røed’s long time mentor and friend.  

Musically Røed finds insipiration in the old saxophone recordings of Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, and in the composition styles of Django Bates and Charlie Hadens Liberation Orchestra, but OTHER ASPECTS bears Røed’s hallmarks, with music that constantly drifts into different and surprising directions.  As he explains:

The music is composed but not set, meaning its perfectly acceptable,  and even encouraged, to think and play outside the box. Most of the magic within the band lies in the free improvisation. 


With cover photo by William Østensen and cover design by Tom Korsvold “Do You Dream in Colours” will be available in CD, LP, and Digital formats and tracklisting is as follows:

1. Goiserer Jodler / To Whom This May Concerne
2. I Usually Paint by Myself
3. Bergen is the Prettiest in Blue
4. Moonshine Movement
5. When You Dream in Colours

“Do You Dream in Colours” is now available to pre-order from

Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://akselroedsotheraspects.bandcamp.com

More information about AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671
Band Contact:  akseltr@hotmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH LEAGUS

Posted: November 7, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Is it Jazz? Records have inked a deal with LEAGUS, which will see the label release the third full-length album from the contemporary and experimental musical duo who hail from Sápmi – Norway,  and whose music alternates between formal composed parts, open structures, and  free improvisation, and ranges from subdued, minimalistic, psalm-like pieces, to more rock-oriented improvised parts.

Consisting of pianist Herborg Rundberg and guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad, LEAGUS was originally formed in 2013 by Herborg, as part of her Masters degree in Rhythmic Music at the Tromsø Conservatory, where, coincidentally,  Kristian had also received his Masters degree in the same subject two years earlier.

The name LEAGUS is actually  Sami slang for asking for something, and originates in the area in which Herborg herself was born.  It is her Sami background, and her work with traditional and classical music, along with Kristian´s extended use of guitar and electronics, that forms the basis of LEAGUS’ sound, which has, over time, developed into an exploratory and complex sonic universe. 

Over the years the duo have worked extensively on finding new, and different interactions between the  piano and the guitar, which has lead to the development of a new and progressive kind of musical togetherness. It is a sound that is highly dynamic with musical contrasts playing a big part in their concept.

LEAGUS’ two previous albums, 2016’s  “Lea Aigi”, and 2019’s “Naimaka”, the latter actually having been  released as a quartet with two additional drummers, both received critical acclaim, and served to  establish LEAGUS as an up-and-coming band within the northern Norwegian Experimental scene.

In 2021 LEAGUS were commissioned by the North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble to write a piece for a ten-member orchestra.  The result was “Flora Eallin” which was composed and arranged by Herborg and Kristian.  This led to a tour with the  North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble and  long time collaborator and visual designer Torbjørn Thrane Sandnes.

About their upcoming collaboration with Is it Jazz? Records, LEAGUS had this to say:

We are extremely proud to announce that we are signing with Is it jazz? Records!  We share the same enthusiasm for experimental and progressive music, and also the devotion to the album format. We are so grateful for becoming a part of this team!

On stage the duo are known for their energetic and visual concerts, and more information about LEAGUS can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/leagusleagus or on their website at http://www.leagusband.com

A video of LEAGUS live at the Kulturhuset  in Tromsø  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/rkkuWkzBkNI

Additional Information
LEAGUS
Website: http://www.leagusband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leagusleagus
Instagram: instagram.com/_leagus_
IS IT JAZZ RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@isitjazzrecords.no
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Band Contact & Booking: kristian.s.olstad@gmail.com

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH INDIE-JAZZ BAND SHAKAI

Posted: October 3, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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It might, on occasion, cross your mind that perhaps sister-labels, Karisma Records, and Is it Jazz? Records have an A&R team permanently camped outside prestigious Norwegian music conservatories  since so many of the younger bands signed to the labels have graduated from those hallowed halls.   And indeed,  SHAKAI, the latest signing to Is it Jazz? Records, are no exception to the rule, with members having studied at either Bergen or Trondheim conservatories.

Formed in 2016 with band leader and bassist Eline Rafteseth at the helm, SHAKAI, which translates from the Japanese as “public” or “society”, released a very successful debut album in 2018, and followed it with various festival appearances that solidified the band’s growing reputation. 

Now, with 2022 waning, and 2023 on the horizon, SHAKAI is back with a new lineup to go with its brand new record deal, and is ready to begin work on the band’s  sophomore full-length album.  At the same time, SHAKAI are determined not to let the grass grow beneath their collective feet, so, before entering Bergen’s Duper Studio with producers Jørgen Træen and Iver Sandøy, SHAKAI is set to play a series of dates around Norway.

Of the upcoming collaboration with Is it Jazz? Records SHAKAI had this to say:

We are very excited to announce that we have been signed with Is it jazz? Records. Not only because of their passion and devotion to music – but also because they are a local label that really cares about their artists!

As is usually the case with graduates from music conservatories, SHAKAI’s lineup of bassist,  band leader and original founder Eline Rafteseth (QUORUM TRIO, MADS BERVEN, BOREALIS UNG KOMPONIST), Elisabeth Lid Trøen on saxophones (BERGEN BIG BAND, TRØEN/ARNESEN KVARTETT), Gabriela Garrubo on vocals (METTESON, AMALIE HOLT KLEIVE, GABRIELA GARRUBO), guitarist Simen Walle (ATARI, GUILTY GARDEN, WALLE) and Amund Nordstrøm on drums and modular synth (DATADYR, AVIAN ART, TOMAS LOSSIUS SEPTET), brings with it a plethora of musical disciplines and backgrounds, firmly rooted in Jazz and Improvisation, along with a sound grounding gleaned from working with other bands and projects. 

Inspired by artists that include DEERHOOF, PORTISHEAD, DOFFS POI, SOLVEIG SLETTAHJELL, BROEN and whilst musically they identify as indie-jazz, the quintet doesn’t really pay much attention to genre definitions, nor  to those unwritten rules that try to shackle musicians to a set formula that only serves to  stifle creativity.   SHAKAI would much rather invite the listener in to their strange universe of unexpected elements and unusual instruments, and let the music speak for itself, describing their creative process as being “almost like making pastries without a recipe”.

Whilst appearance-wise, SHAKAI present an image of studied ease, almost, at times, of introspection on stage, there is no  hint of navel gazing as the band skilfully brings its music to life,  drawing the audience in and surprising them with unexpected turns.  Fans will be able to see for themselves what SHAKAI is all about live on the following dates:

OCTOBER

Tue 4: Progkjeller, Hærverk Oslo
Sat 8: Bajazz, Bergen
Fri 14: Jazz på Jølst, Jølster
Sat 15: Vestnes Jazzklubb
Sun 16: Søndagsjazzen på Ila
Wed 19: Uhørt! Victoria Nasjonal Jazzscene – splittkonsert med Joakim Rainer Trio.

More information about SHAKAI can be found on the band’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shakaimusic 

A video of SHAKAI playing live at Landmark in Bergen can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/UmnJRCU5vqE

Additional Information
SHAKAI
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shakaimusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3I4SiHR9WzNlaQo8d0izWj?si=TWH_T7hCTfabG8zYXF9-Lw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakai.band/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuUp5Dqip-xDG91_uOVrL6g
Band Contact:  shakaibooking@gmail.com
IS IT JAZZ RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@isitjazzrecords.no
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/

AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS SIGNS WITH IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS

Posted: June 23, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Is it Jazz? Records seems to be getting its pick from the talented alumni of Norway’s prestigious Grieg Academy, as signalled by the label’s latest signing, AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS,  the new project from Jazz saxophonist  Aksel Røed.

Putting together an octet, which is what AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS is, in order to bring his musical vision to fruition, is no mean feat, but that is what Røed has successfully achieved.  Having attracted some of the finest young Norwegian musicians, as well as those with a proven track record,  to the ranks of AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS, the band will now become the focus of Røed’s attention.  As he explains:

OTHER ASPECTS started out in 2019 as an ambitious project for me to write some music for a school project at the Grieg Academy.  But, having put this octet together, I have not been able to put it aside and it is now my main focus in music.

The ensemble is my biggest to date with all original music composed for an eight piece band.  Other Aspects’ debut album` “Do you dream in colours?”  was recorded at fashionable Duper Studios in May 2020 in Bergen, and the band, consisting of some of my best friends and finest young musicians in Norway, perfectly executed my visions as composer and leader. 

On trumpet and flugelhorn we have my dear brother, the amazing Lyder Øvreås Røed, and on second trumpet, my good friend and colleague for many years, Andreas Hesselberg Hatzikiriakidis.  The saxophone section consists of Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvoll on soprano and tenor, known from some of my favorite bands such as BEAR BROTHER and MASTER OOGWAY. On baritone sax and bass clarinet is  Michael Barnes, my long time mentor, friend and the musical leader of BERGEN BIGBAND. He is an Aussie who writes the best scores for large ensembles in Bergen.  As for myself, I try to lead the band from the tenor stand. Sigurd Steinkopf keeps the drums going and Sverre Sæbø holds the bas,  and Isach Skeidsvoll gives new meaning to the phrase “playing the piano”.

OTHER ASPECTS allows me to constantly drift into different directions and usually with short notice. The music is composed but not set, meaning its perfectly acceptable,  and even encouraged to think and play outside the box. Most of the magic within the band lies in the free improvisation.  

In terms of inspiration I find it in the old saxophone recordings of Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, but also in the composing mind of Django Bates and Charlie Hadens Liberation Orchestra I.e. Despite all of the references, I still think (and hope) that the music undoubtedly sounds like “Aksel Røed”

As to his decision to sign with Is it Jazz? Records, it seems that both label and artist are of the same mind when it comes to their home town of Bergen:

I am very pleased to have signed with Is It Jazz? and their team. I strive to keep Bergen as active and attractive as I can musically, and I have no doubt in my mind that such a professional and local label has my back in doing so.

More information about AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671
Band Contact:  akseltr@hotmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEALS SECOND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING DATADYR ALBUM

Posted: May 25, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When you have a band whose lineup features three musicians who are graduates of the prestigious Grieg Academy in Norway, it is little wonder that their varied skill sets enable them to create a distinctive and original sound that makes use of what they have learned both through academia and hands-on experience. 

And this is what you get with DATADYR, a band that retains its original spontaneity and playfulness, and takes it up a notch by using the traditional sounds one would expect of jazz, whilst, at the same time, also taking those traditions into new directions – along with a good dose of improvisation.

So, with DATADYR’s debut full-length album “Woolgathering” due to be released on the 10th June, and, conscious of the fact that DATADYR is a young band, and relatively unknown to followers of the genre, Is it Jazz? Records have chosen to release a second track from the album, thereby giving fans a further taste of what to expect from an album that is set to deliver an explosive mix of Americana, Blues, Jazz and Free Jazz.

The track, “Daybreaking”, can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services at https://isitjazzrecords.fanlink.to/Datadyr_Daybreaking

About the track itself, DATADYR had this to say:

Daybreaking features Kjetil Møster on saxophone, a musician we all look up to, so it was great to have him in the studio and record two songs with him. He brought a lot of energy and passion to the music and we’re very proud to have him on our record.

Based in Bergen, Norway, DATADYR’s  lineup comprises Øystein Høynes on bass,  Amund Nordstrøm  on drums and  Odd Erlend Mikkelsen on guitars, and, whilst DATADYR may be a new band, its three musicians have considerable experience with other bands and projects, either live or in the studio, past, present and upcoming. These include FINNSETH TRIO, HERKULES, KRYPTOGRAF, DREAMARCHER, ATARI, CORT PIIL, TARA MARTINE, TREVERKET, HVO, DREAMARCHER, AVIAN ART, THOMAS LOSSIUS SEPTETT,  GUNSLINGING BIRD, MØ: SAN, DUMBO CASINO  and SHAKAI.  

 “Woolgathering” was Recorded at the Solslottet Studio at Bergen Kjøtt, and is produced and engineered by  Iver Sandøy.  Aside from the afore mentioned Ketil Møster on saxophone, the album will also feature a guest appearance by Mathias Marstrander on guitar. 

Track listing for “Woolgathering”  is as follows:

  1. Tier
  2. Krystalldans
  3. Woolgathering
  4. Daybreaking
  5. FastUp
  6. Datadyr
  7. Low Hanging Moon

With cover art by Eigil Nordstrøm and band photographs by Olav Vikingstad , “Woolgathering will be released in CD, Digital and Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://datadyr.bandcamp.com~

More information about DATADYR  can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Datadyr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic
Datadyr Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLXhM4Pd4bZxJ0UEkAzgpg
Datadyr Booking: datadyrepost@gmail.com
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH NEW JACOB HOLM-LUPO PROJECT SOLSTEIN

Posted: May 20, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, Uncategorized
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Is it Jazz? Records have inked a deal with Norway’s SOLSTEIN, the latest project from multi-instrumentalist Jacob Holm-Lupo.  Inspired by jazz-rock, funk, prog rock and chill-out, SOLSTEIN, offers up an instrumental form of rock, where jazz harmony combines with proggy arrangements and soul/funk grooves.  The end result is a laid back, elegant, sound that oscillates between funky fusion and rock.

SOLSTEIN’s four- piece lineup have a  history that could be classed as illustrious.

On keyboards for SOLSTEIN is Brynjar Dambo, known for his work with WHITE WILLOW, PINE LAKE, DONNER, HAAKON ELLINGSEN

A published author of books on various artists including TOTO and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT,  Jacob Holm-Lupo himself, who will handle bass guitar, guitar and  keyboards, is known for his other projects WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL and DONNER. He is also a much respected producer and audio engineer, working out of his Dude Ranch Studio, whose name is very well known to  fans of many of the bands on Is it Jazz? Records’ sister-label Karisma Records, with whom he has had a long collaboration. 

Guitarist Stian Larsen was educated at the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he specialised in Jazz. He has recorded with, amongst others, SMITH KOMMA JOHN, KÖÖK and PET ZOO, and played live with the likes of LÖV, DANIEL KVAMMEN and  BENDIK BAKSAAS, to name but a few.

Drummer Keith Carlock is a drum instructor who is a Grammy-winning recording artist and a Member of the Mississippi Musicians’ Hall of Fame.  STEELY DAN, DONALD FAGEN, WALTER BECKER, TOTO, JOHN MAYER and STING are amongst the myriad artists with whom he has recorded or played live.

The initial idea behind SOLSTEIN, which translated means “Sunstone,  was born from Jacob and Keith Carlock’s  2021 collaboration on “Hesitant Light”,  the debut album from DONNER, on which Keith’s playing pushed some of the material in a jazzier, funkier, direction that Jacob felt merited further exploration.

The band itself is named after a relatively rare rock whose main deposit is found along the coast in Southern Norway where Jacob lives on a small island. The Sunstone has copper-red crystals that refract light in a beautiful way when seen from different angles.

About their upcoming collaboration with Is it Jazz? Records, the band  had this to say:

SOLSTEIN are proud and pleased to sign with Is It Jazz? Records. We are looking forward to joining their artist roster and we feel their name reflects questions we often ask ourselves!

About their debut album, which will be titled “The Skerry” and which will be comprised of eight instrumental tracks, SOLSTEIN explained:

The making of our debut album has been a fun, light-hearted affair where zero fucks were given as to what the jazz police may have to say. Cheeky, 80’s-tinged fusion-soloing, pastel synths and a very open-minded interpretation of a Wayne Shorter classic are all par for the course. In fact there has only been one rule: No long solos. Keep it rock-length, not jazz-length.

More details about “The Skerry” will be revealed at a later date.

In the meantime, more  information about SOLSTEIN can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/solsteinband

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/solsteinband
Band Contact:  aslanlupo@gmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEALS FIRST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING DATADYR ALBUM

Posted: May 6, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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“A short, sweet banger of a song!” is how Norwegian Jazz Trio DATADYR describe “Tier”,  the opening track of their upcoming album “Woolgathering”, and which also happens to be the track that Is it Jazz? Records have chosen to release as the first single from the album.

“Tier” is, according to DATADYR, “One of the first songs we made together, and it’s one of the few songs that always appears on our set list whenever we play live”, and you can stream or download it from a number of services at:

https://isitjazzrecords.fanlink.to/Datadyr_Tier

“Woolgathering” itself will be released on the 10th June and is set to be an explosive mix of Americana, Blues, Jazz and Free Jazz. Recorded at the Solslottet Studio at Bergen Kjøtt, and produced and engineered by  Iver Sandøy, “Woolgathering features guest musicians Ketil Møster on saxophone and Mathias Marstrander on guitar. 

With cover art by Eigil Nordstrøm and band photographs by Olav Vikingstad , track listing for “Woolgathering”  is as follows:

  1. Tier
  2. Krystalldans
  3. Woolgathering
  4. Daybreaking
  5. FastUp
  6. Datadyr
  7. Low Hanging Moon

Based in Bergen, Norway, DATADYR is a trio comprising Øystein Høynes on bass,  Amund Nordstrøm  on drums and  Odd Erlend Mikkelsen on guitars.  All three musicians are graduates of the renowned Grieg Academy, and have considerable experience in other bands and projects such as
KRYPTOGRAF, DREAMARCHER,ATARI, CORT PIIL andSHAKAI.   

The trio have used their musical training and experience to hone their skills and develop DATADYR’s  distinctive sound, which ranges from the heartfelt and gentle to the energetic and explosive.  It is a sound that is characterised by a mix of traditional jazz, newer directions in jazz and improvisation, and which, to this day, still retains the spontaneous and playful expression that was the starting point for the band .  

Of their debut full-length, DATADYR had this to say:

“Woolgathering” is a collection of our favourite songs which were written early on in DATADYR’s career. Some of them go all the way back to 2018, while some of them are more recent. It’s a good mix of all our influences as a band and as individual musicians. “Woolgathering” means to daydream, to gather your thoughts – a fitting title in our opinion. 

“Woolgathering” will be released in CD, Digital and Red Vinyl formats and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://datadyr.bandcamp.com

More information about DATADYR  can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Datadyr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic
Datadyr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLXhM4Pd4bZxJ0UEkAzgpg
Datadyr Booking: datadyrepost@gmail.com Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no



IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEALS DETAILS OF DATADYR SIGNING

Posted: April 6, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Having recently announced the details of label’s first ever release (from Jazz Prog Rockers SOFT FFOG), Is it Jazz? Records have today revealed more about DATADYR, the band destined to produce the label’s second release, which will be available on the 10th June.

Based in Bergen, Norway, DATADYR is a trio of musicians who are all graduates of the Grieg Academy,  where their jazz studies provided the inspiration for their music, which can be characterized by its use of traditional jazz, newer directions in jazz and musical improvisations.

All three have considerable experience with other bands and projects. Bassist Øystein Høynes, for instance, has deep-dived into both American and Scandinavian Jazz, something that can be heard in DATADYR’s music.  He likes to explore the differences in genres and mix them up, and his playing is “groovy and playful”, with a desire to drive the music forward.  Already a well-known figure on the Scandinavian Jazz scene, Høynes has played on albums by the FINNSETH TRIO, HERKULES and ATARI, and is currently playing with ATARI, TARA MARTINE, TREVERKET, and HVO.

During his time at the Grieg Academy drummer Amund Nordstrøm turned his focus towards jazz, free jazz and free improvisation. With a style that is energetic, playful and which pays great attention to tone and texture, it is somewhat extremist but nevertheless displays a controlled musical direction, with  clear references to older American and Scandinavian jazz. In a short time Nordstrøm has succeeded in making a name for himself on the music scene in Bergen. He has played a number of concerts in both Norway and Europe and released albums with AVIAN ART, THOMAS LOSSIUS SEPTETT and GUNSLINGING BIRD, with more in the works with bands such as DATADYR, CORT PIIL, MØ: SAN, DUMBO CASINO and SHAKAI.

Guitarist Odd Erlend Mikkelsen has, for several years, been involved in the Rock and Metal scene with bands like DREAMARCHER and KRYPTOGRAF. However, during the last four years he studied Jazz at the Grieg Academy, exploring improvisation. Through his studies he has developed a sound that combines the energy and abrasiveness of classic rock guitar playing, with the harmonic and rhythmic ideas derived from modern jazz.

Having used their experience and their studies to hone their musical skills and develop their distinctive sound – which ranges from the heartfelt and gentle to the energetic and explosive, DATADYR are now ready with their debut full-length album “Woolgathering”, about which the band had this to say:

It’s great to finally release our album on Is it Jazz? Records! There hasn’t been a proper label for jazz/improvised music in Bergen for a while now so Is it Jazz? Records came along at just the right time for us.

“Woolgathering” is a collection of our favourite songs which were written early on in DATADYR’s career. Some of them go all the way back to 2018. while some of them are more recent. It’s a good mix of all our influences as a band and as individual musicians. “Woolgathering” means to daydream, to gather your thoughts – a fitting title in our opinion. 

Further details about “Woolgathering” will be released in due course, and more information about DATADYR  can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLXhM4Pd4bZxJ0UEkAzgpg
Booking: datadyrepost@gmail.com
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

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