Posts Tagged ‘Jazz’

JAZZ ROCKERS KROKOFANT REVEAL NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: December 13, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Widely regarded as one of the founders of the current progressive jazz movement that is sweeping their native Norway, KROKOFANT’s sound, whilst firmly rooted in the 70s, has a distinctive  rare melodic  flair, that makes it unmistakably theirs.

It conjures up one catchy phrase after another in a  free jazz style where precise, heavy riffs are enhanced by strong improvisations,  and  where wild saxophone solos team up with hugely creative, virtuoso guitar playing, coupled with the kind of drumming that sounds like a turbocharged hybrid of Keith Moon and Elvin Jones .

With their 6th full-length album, titled “6” for obvious reasons, set for release on the 10th January, Is It Jazz? Records, have today revealed a new single from the album as a pre-Christmas treat for KROKOFANT fans.

The single, titled “Triple Dad”,  can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/krokofant-tripledad

Here is what the band had to say about it:

Triple Dad is composed by Mathisen and has a bit of a different feel to it than the traditional Kroko thing. More jazz elements and chord movements, with a rather strange melody on top. And an intense sax solo, with a  cleaner and jazzy guitar solo you would normally hear from Hasslan.

Founded in Oslo in 2011 as a trio consisting of Tom Hasslan on Guitar, Jørgen Mathisen on Saxophone and Axel Skalstad on Drums, KROKOFANT’s lineup did, for a time, include an additional two members.  But today’s band is not so much a playground for Tom´s prog-rock compositions, as it is an expansion on the idea of being a  “collective”,  sculpting their music together rather than following the more rigid song structures that is by necessity required by a quintet.

“6” is therefore very much an album from a band that has rekindled the fun of making songs together, and revels in its ability to create a sound that requires a more intense, improvisational interplay.

With artwork by Maria Risa Bornes, tracklisting for “6” is as follows:

1. Harry Davidson
2. Triple Dad
3. Oh My Cod
4. Country Doom
5. The Ballade
6. Pretentious Woman

“6” will be available CD, Digital and Hot Pink LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:

Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp:  https://krokofant.bandcamp.com/album/6

Undoubtedly, “6” is an album whose appeal goes beyond genre boundaries, and will be of interest to rock fans, free jazzers and jazz-rock nostalgics alike. The chugging riffs and catchy melodies that long-time fans of KROKOFANT will recognise, are still there, but so are more spacey, atmospheric moments.

Interestingly, Tom Hasslan and Axel Skalstad are both also members of SOFT FFOG, and both happen to be past winners of the Kongsberg Jazzfestival Recruitment Scholarship. They originally met in a local record store and one year later they were joined by Jørgen Mathisen, a noted saxophonist known for his work with bands such as SHAGMA, THE CORE, ZANUSSI FIVE and HUMVEE.

And for  those who are curious about the name “KROKOFANT”, it is the name of a mythical creature featured in a popular Norwegian children’s song – a cross between an elephant and a crocodile, “a lumbering trumpeting beast with a fearsome array of teeth in its snapping jaws…”

KROKOFANT’s next live appearance will be at the Kafé Hærverk in Oslo, Norway, on the 10th January 2025. More dates to be announced.  

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

Is It Jazz? Records recently released the track “Harry Davidson” from “6” and it can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/harrydavidson

Additional Information
KROKOFANT
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/krokofantmusic
Band Contact: jazztom@hotmail.com
IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Bandcamp: https://isitjazzrecords.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no
Promo and other information: post@isitjazzrecords.no

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING WIZRD ALBUM

Posted: November 15, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Set for release on the 6th December, “Elements”, the sophomore full-length album from Norwegian Rockers WIZRD, shows a band eager to build on their already genre-defying style, and expand into new directions. 

But all those fans who have already taken the band into their hearts need not have any worries, because, the elements that make WIZRD what it is, will still be there.  And how best to illustrate this?  With the release of the single “Fire & Flames” about which the band have this to say:

Are we shooting ourselves in the foot when we choose the album’s longest track as the second single? Well, it’s possible! But still, it felt just right. We think “Fire & Flames” sums up “what is WIZRD” in a great way, it is in many ways the quintessential WIZRD song. It captures the calm, meditative and psychedelic nature of several of our songs, while the last half has the rawness, wildness and improvisation that we are perhaps best known for. Therefore, we felt that the song was an obvious single choice, as it represents the band and the album so well.

“Fire & Flames” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of sources at:

https://orcd.co/fireflames

Those who have already had a taste of what to expect from “Elements” in the shape of the recently released double single (available for streaming or download at https://orcd.co/nationalday), will also realise that WIZRD will always be a band that pushes boundaries, successfully  blending all the more interesting aspects  of rock, indie, jazz and prog. But this time they have taken it further, experimenting with new styles, going in fresh melodic directions, and adding both extended and condensed song structures to their repertoire.

Recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound studio in Halden, “Elements” is an eclectic album, whose  sound is cohesive and unified –  an unmistakable trait  in all of WIZARD’s  work.   It was co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen alongside the band, who are keen to stress that his contribution was vital to shaping the final sound of “Elements”.

Working closely together this formidable team has created an album that feels organic yet unpredictable. With a mix of carefully crafted and spontaneous elements, it is clear that every decision that was taken in the making of the album influenced its outcome. Change  one single thing and “Elements” would have been something entirely different.

With album cover art by Steph Hope and layout by Maja Markegård,  and featuring additional vocals by Sara Fjeldvær, Rohey Taalah, Rikke Normann & Nadia Warholm Essahli, “Elements” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp:  https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/album/elements
WebShop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/   
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/wizrd

Track listing for “Elements” is as follows:

  • GT, Me & My 6610
  • Mesmerized
  • The Void
  • Fylkesvei 33
  • National Day
  • You’re Exposed!
  • !!!
  • Fire & Flames
  • Kaleidoskop


WIZRD was formed when Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG) on drums attended the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic unit marked by a fearless creativity.

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

A video of WIZRD in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”, by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth,  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/kzP2VOduRCU?si=GwdMBmZGgU6B4x0z   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WIZRD
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wizrdtheband/
BandCamp: https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/
Band Contact:  hallvardgaardlos@hotmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

JAZZ ROCKERS KROKOFANT REVEAL DETAILS AND NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: November 8, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With five highly rated albums to their credit, Norwegian Jazz Rockers KROKOFANT are set to celebrate the new year with the release their sixth full-length, titled “6”,  which is scheduled to hit the streets on Is It Jazz? Records on the 10th January.

Founded in Oslo in 2011 as a trio consisting of Tom Hasslan on Guitar, Jørgen Mathisen on Saxophone and Axel Skalstad on Drums, KROKOFANT’s lineup did, for a time, include an additional two members.  However, today it is back to its original format, and the new album very much reflects a band that has rekindled the fun of making songs together, and revelling in their ability to create a sound that requires a more intense, improvisational interplay.

To whet the appetite of KROKOFANT fans, Is It Jazz? Records has chosen to release the opening track “Harry Davidson” as a single, and the band’s Tom Hasslan has this to say about it:

“Harry” was composed some years ago, and has been sneaking into our repertoire whenever we performed live as a trio, which was during the period when we mostly performed as a quintet with Ståle Storløkken on keys and Ingebrigt Håker Flaten on bass.

With its heavy riffs and a catchy sax melody on top “Harry”  comes off like a classic KROKOFANT tune with  all the traits from our earlier releases as a trio.  It drives into a shreddy/quasi skronki guitar solo, complemented by a deep synth bass and creative groove-based drums.

“Harry Davidson” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/harrydavidson

It’s apparent from the moment you hear the opening track from “6”, with its chugging riff and catchy melody, that the classic KROKOPHANT sound is still intact.  The more jazzy chord based tunes like “Triple Dad”, and the spacey, atmospheric, sounds of “The Ballade”, for example, make “6” an album that will appeal to rock fans, free jazzers and jazz-rock nostalgics alike.

With artwork by Maria Risa Bornes, tracklisting for “6” is as follows:

1. Harry Davidson
2. Triple Dad
3. Oh My Cod
4. Country Doom
5. The Ballade
6. Pretentious Woman

“6” will be available CD, Digital and Magenta Vinyl LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:

Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp:  https://krokofant.bandcamp.com/album/6

KROKOFANT’s sound is deeply rooted in the 70s, with subtle nods in the direction of KING CRIMSON and SOFT MACHINE.  Whilst this is not necessarily a rare thing in the Norwegian jazz/rock scene, the band still manages to sound quite unique, and is regarded  as one of the founders of the current progressive jazz movement that is sweeping the country.

Hasslan and Skalstad, both of whom are now also members of SOFT FFOG, and both of whom happen to be past winners of the Kongsberg Jazzfestival Recruitment Scholarship, first met in a local record store. One year later they were joined by Mathisen, a noted saxophonist known for his work with bands such as SHAGMA, THE CORE, ZANUSSI FIVE and HUMVEE.

Their resurrection as a  trio has seen the band move from being more of a playground for Hasslan´s prog-rock compositions, which was much in evidence during its period as a quintet. THE KROKOFANT of today is much more focused on the “collective”,  sculpting their music together rather than following the more rigid song structures required by a quintet.

Musically KROKOFANT  demonstrates  a rare melodic flair, conjuring up one catchy phrase after another in a  free jazz style whose  precise and heavy riffs are redeemed by strong improvisations. Its  wild saxophone solos are teamed with hugely creative, virtuoso guitar playing, and drumming that sounds like a turbocharged hybrid of Keith Moon and Elvin Jones .

For those who are curious about the name “KROKOFANT”, it is the name of a mythical creature featured in a popular Norwegian children’s song – a cross between an elephant and a crocodile, “a lumbering trumpeting beast with a fearsome array of teeth in its snapping jaws…”

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

Additional Information
KROKOFANT
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/krokofantmusic
Band Contact: jazztom@hotmail.com
IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Bandcamp: https://isitjazzrecords.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no
Promo and other information: post@isitjazzrecords.no

DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM AND NEW SINGLE FROM NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD REVEALED

Posted: October 25, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Since its formation WIZRD has proved itself to be a band that is happy to colour outside any  genre-defining lines, pushing boundaries and effortlessly blending the more interesting aspects of genres that range from rock and indie to jazz and prog.

And on their upcoming sophomore full-length album “Elements” WIZRD have dived deeper into uncharted musical waters—experimenting with new styles, fresh melodic directions, and both extended and condensed song structures, all the while introducing Norwegian lyrics.

Whilst “Elements” itself is set for release on the 6th December, Karisma Records have today released a double single taken from the album.  The single, which comprises the tracks  “National Day” and “Eternity’s Breath”,  and with artwork by Maja Markegård,  can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/nationalday

WIZRD explained something of the process that went into recording “National Day”:

“National Day” was a song that came together very quickly. Karl came up with the riff, and while we were jamming on it, I came up with the melody line. We wanted to push ourselves a little and see how “little” is needed to make a song. After all, we are prog fans, and happy with lots of different parts, but here we tried to see how we could rather vary a relatively short idea and get a song out of it. It basically went very well, but in the end we couldn’t quite help ourselves, and added the slightly extended solo part. A little three-minute adventure!

By contrast, “Eternity’s Breath” is a totally different beast, not an original, but a cover, and fans of the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA will immediately recognise the title.  Indeed, WIZRD cite the legendary New Yorkers as one of the great inspirations behind their own music:

One of our favourite bands and greatest sources of inspiration is the Mahavishnu Orchestra. We have had a few concert nights in Oslo where we have had one set of our own songs, and one set of Mahavishnu covers. In particular, we have played a lot of the songs from the album “Visions of the Emerald Beyond”, so this time it was only natural for us to include a Mahavishnu song in the recording process. Eternity’s Breath is one of our favourite songs, it’s an insanely fun song to play. Joining the team this time we also got Rohey Taalah and Nadia Warholm Essahli on vocals, and that lifts it to astronomical heights. We hope the result gives you a real kick!
 
“Elements” itself was recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound studio in Halden, and the ambiance both within the studio, and within the city itself, left an indelible mark on the album, which, though eclectic, could not be anything other than WIZRD, whose distinctive sound is cohesive and unified.

Co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen alongside the band, WIZRD are keen to stress that his contribution was vital to shaping the final sound of “Elements”. Working closely together this formidable team has created an album that feels organic yet unpredictable. With a mix of carefully crafted and spontaneous elements, it is clear that every decision that was taken in the making of the album influenced its outcome. Change  one single thing and “Elements” would have been something entirely different.

With album cover art by Steph Hope and layout by Maja Markegård,  and featuring additional vocals by Sara Fjeldvær, Rohey Taalah, Rikke Normann & Nadia Warholm Essahli, “Elements” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp:  wizrd.bandcamp.com
WebShop: karismarecords.no/shop
US Webshop: karismarecords.indiemerch.com

Rrack listing for “Elements” is as follows:

  1. GT, Me & My 6610
  2. Mesmerized
  3. The Void
  4. Fylkesvei 33
  5. National Day
  6. You’re Exposed!
  7. !!!
  8. Fire & Flames
  9. Kaleidoskop


WIZRD was formed when Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG) on drums attended the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic unit marked by a fearless creativity.

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

A video of WIZRD in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”, by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth,  can be seen at below and at https://youtu.be/kzP2VOduRCU?si=QSgNFb2L9X_VMWnw   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WIZRD
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wizrdtheband/
BandCamp: https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/
Band Contact:  hallvardgaardlos@hotmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

JAZZ ROCKERS THE VERGE REVEAL NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: September 5, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Scheduled for release on the 4th October, the self-titled debut album from Norwegian Jazz Rockers THE VERGE, offers up a veritable palette of sounds. Drawing on extreme improvisational rock and dreamy noise/dronescapes, it ranges from fiery melodic jazz to prog rock, from atmospheric free-improvisation to heavy riffs.

Having recently released a single from the album, Is It Jazz? Records now bring us a second taste of what to expect with the release of the track “Snake”,  which can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://orcd.co/theverge-snake

Commenting on the track, THE VERGE’s Emil Storløkken  had this to say:

“Snake”  started as a slightly strange ostinato, with an odd numbered time signature, that curls its way through the song. Then came the melody, with faster movements in the guitar and saxophone, adding something concrete but with an unsafe character.

We worked for a long time to find the perfect groove to drive the song. When we finally found this, we jammed out the powerful unison riff that breaks the circular motion. Like a snake leaping forth from the bushes and striking.

Consisting of seven original tracks composed by the different members of the band, “The Verge”,  is, not surprisingly, an album where each track differs significantly one from the other. It serves to showcase THE VERGE’s  ability to take their considerable musical skills and create an opportunity for spontaneous interplay,  with the ensembles  joyful attitude towards making music together leading to an album that is vibrant and multifaceted.

Recorded at the Duper Studio in 2021, and produced by  Vegard Lemme,  “The Verge”, whose  cover art is by Annika Linn Verdal Homme,  will be available in CD, LP and Digital formats and can be pre-ordered now from:

Webshop:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
BandCamp: https://the–verge.bandcamp.com/album/the-verge

Track  listing for “The Verge” is as follows:

1. Nessesse
2. Hyperreality
3. Snake
4. Gratitude
5. Postludium
6. The Blast Supper
7. Patterns for Meditation

THE VERGE’s lineup of  Emil Storløkken Åse (PHOENIX, EMIL STORLØKKEN ÅSE SOLO) on Guitars , Aksel Rønning (COSMIC SWING ORCHESTRA, AKSEL RØNNING TRIO) on Saxophone and Flute, Alf Høines (CARAMEL 11, LEON RØSTEN TRIO) on Electric Bass,  and Ingvald Vassbø (KANAAN, JUNO) on Drums, first began playing together when they all attended the legendary Norwegian Jazz school NTNU.

Since then, their individual careers have branched off into various significant bands, giving them the chance to hone their skills not just in Norway, but also the within the European Jazz, Improv and Rock scenes. And it is now, thanks to Is It Jazz? Records,  that this eclectic cast of musicians have been given the  opportunity to demonstrate their uncanny ability to weave together so many different elements into one cohesive whole.

More information about THE VERGE can be found on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065744882524

Additional Information
The Verge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065744882524
Band Contact:  ingvaldvassboe@gmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
BandCamp: https://the–verge.bandcamp.com/album/the-verge
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEALS SINGLE AND DETAILS OF DEBUT FULL-LENGTH  ALBUM FROM JAZZ ROCKERS THE VERGE

Posted: August 8, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Having started to play together when they met at the legendary Norwegian Jazz school NTNU, the members of Jazz Rock quartet THE VERGE have, since then, forged individual careers with a number of significant bands within not just the local, but also the European Jazz, Improv and Rock scenes. 

 But now, thanks to Is It Jazz? Records,  the time has come to bring to the light of day THE VERGE’s vibrant and original debut album, which the still up-and-coming musicians  recorded at the Duper Studio on 2021, alongside  the equally young and aspiring producer Vegard Lemme.

The self-titled album, set to hit the streets on the 4th October, consists of seven original tracks composed by the different members of the band.  Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in an album where the tracks differ greatly one from the other. Indeed, “The Verge” encompasses sonic soundscapes that range from fiery melodic jazz to prog rock, from atmospheric free-improvisation to heavy riffs.

And today Is It Jazz? Records is letting us hear for ourselves what “The Verge” holds in store for us with the release of the first single from the album.  The track, titled ” Nessesse” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/nessesse

And this is what THE VERGE’s Aksel Rønning has to say about it:

 For multiple reasons “Nessesse” consists of just one ostinato. One reason for this is to treat the meditational spirit of THE VERGE to a free space of improvisation. Another is to pay tribute to our inspirations from the free jazz of the sixties. “Nessesse” is a place where our creativity runs free to make the composition’s small framework into a full song, with lots of energy, chaos and order. 

THE VERGE’s lineup of  Emil Storløkken Åse (PHOENIX, EMIL STORLØKKEN ÅSE SOLO) on Guitars , Aksel Rønning (COSMIC SWING ORCHESTRA, AKSEL RØNNING TRIO) on Saxophone and Flute, Alf Høines (CARAMEL 11, LEON RØSTEN TRIO) on Electric Bass,  and Ingvald Vassbø (KANAAN, JUNO) on Drums, demonstrates an uncanny ability to weave together all the album’s different elements into a coherent whole.

Drawing their inspiration from extreme improvisational rock and dreamy noise/dronescapes, and with their musical skills and spontaneous interplay,  THE VERGE’s  members display a joyful attitude towards making music together, creating a debut album that is vibrant and multifaceted.

With cover art by Annika Linn Verdal Homme, track listing for “The Verge” is as follows:

1. Nessesse
2. Hyperreality
3. Snake
4. Gratitude
5. Emils Låt / Postludium
6. The Blast Supper
7. Patterns for Meditation

“The Verge” will be available in CD, LP and Digital formats and can be pre-ordered now from:

Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
BandCamp: https://the–verge.bandcamp.com/album/the-verge

More information about THE VERGE can be found on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065744882524

Additional Information
The Verge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065744882524
Band Contact:  ingvaldvassboe@gmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
BandCamp: https://the–verge.bandcamp.com/album/the-verge
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

INDIE-JAZZERS SHAKAI REVEAL NEW TRACK FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: May 3, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When a group of five friends from prestigious musical conservatories decide to get together to form a band, the result you get is SHAKAI, a group of musicians trained  in a wide variety of disciplines, differing  backgrounds and  personal experiences in diverse projects. Together they form a whole that  creates a sound that is unique and varied.

Even the band’s name, SHAKAI, derived from the Japanese word for “society”, perfectly defines the  quintet of musicians who, whilst firmly grounded in improvisation,  would rather not be bound by genre-definitions, instead preferring to allow their music to speak for itself by giving each member the freedom to define their own creativity.   

With Is it Jazz? Records set to release the band’s debut album “Fragments” on the 7th June, SHAKAI have today revealed a new single from the album.  Titled “Kanskje” you can download or stream it from a variety of sources at:

https://fanlink.tv/Shakai-Kanskje

SHAKAI founder and leader Eline Rafteseth had this to say about the “Kanskje” :

“Kanskje” is a song that was actually written back in 2018 but remained on the shelf until it finally  found its place on this album. It was a collaborative effort between me and Gabriela Garrubo and two of my bandmates from our college days, Sondre Berg Abrahamsen and Martin Wright Thorsen.

The  lyrics and content can be interpreted in various ways. For me, recently, it has become almost like a reflection or contemplation on young love. It reflects on how I used to overthink and overanalyze, yearning to be understood but struggling to articulate my emotions. It’s a sort of gentle “love-gone-sour” song, but from a somewhat naive and hopeful perspective.

The music itself spans a wide range, from playful, understated simplicity to loud, grandiose and dramatic. I didn’t really think much about the song’s structure or its deeper meaning; we just had a lot of fun during rehearsals. But looking back on it now, it actually describes me pretty well as a teenager and into my early twenties: somewhat naive, a bit confused, and experiencing a whirlwind of intense emotions across the spectrum

As you would expect from such a group of musicians, each  with their own stories and perspectives, “Fragments” is an album whose music and lyrics touch on a wide variety of subjects, from life’s big questions, to the small, everyday stories. From reckonings with the past, to hopes for the future.  The end result is a work that is full of unexpected elements and which is both beautiful and raw, playful and strange.

Recorded at Bergen’s Duper Studio with producers Jørgen Træen and Iver Sandøy, and with artwork by Tom Korsvold, track listing on “Fragments” is as follows:

1. Kanskje
2. Not Yours
3. Oh Well
4. Dandelion Child
5. Ville bare
6. Lullaby
7. Changes

“Fragments” will be released in LP and Digital formats and is now available to  pre-order from:

Website: https://isitjazzrecords.no/product/shakai-fragments-black-vinyl/
Bandcamp: https://shakai.bandcamp.com/album/fragments

Formed in 2016 SHAKAI’s lineup is comprised of Eline Rafteseth (NH3, SOFT NOISE ENSEMBLE, HEAVY ASTRO) on bass and vocals, Elisabeth Lid Trøen (BERGEN BIG BAND, TRØEN/ARNESEN KVARTETT) on saxophones, Gabriela Garrubo (GARRUBO, METTESON, AMAILIE HOLT KLEIVE) on vocals, Simen Walle (ATARI, NELLY, MALUM) on guitars and Kenneth Kapstad (SPIDERGAWD, COBRA KRAFT, MONOLITHIC, GOAT THE HEAD, ex-MOTORPSYCHO etc.) on drums. 

SHAKAI is an ensemble whose stage presence is one of studied ease, almost, at times, of introspection, but with a complete absence  of any form navel gazing.  It is a band that vibrantly brings its music to life,  drawing the audience in and surprising them with unexpected turns.

Their next live appearance is scheduled to take place on the 6th June at the Bergen Kjøtt where SHAKAI will celebrate the release of the new album.

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

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

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/

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS ANNOUNCES ALBUM DETAILS AND NEW SINGLE FROM INDIE-JAZZERS SHAKAI

Posted: April 5, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Although SHAKAI identify themselves as  an Indie-Jazz band, this is somewhat of a loose description, there for convenience rather than as a barrier to individuality, because this group of musicians would rather not be  shackled by genre definitions, preferring to let their creativity run free and allow their music to speak for itself. 

SHAKAI are a quintet of musicians who invite their audience to enter a world full of unexpected elements. And now Is It Jazz? Records invite that very audience to hear what they can expect from the band’s sophomore full-length “Fragments”  with the release of a single taken from the album.

The single, titled “Dandelion Child” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at  https://fanlink.tv/dandelionchild

SHAKAI’s leader Eline Rafteseth had this to say about the song:

“Dandelion Child” is a song against injustice, written in despair during the aftermath of the 2022 terrorist attack against Pride in Oslo. The lyrics are about standing stronger together, and that love must always win.

I think this song describes some of my feelings towards all the terrible things happening in the world, and how our leaders are full of empty words but no action.

It was in 2016 that Eline formed SHAKAI, drawing on musicians from music conservatories to form a lineup that, aside from Eline (NH3, SOFT NOISE ENSEMBLE, HEAVY ASTRO) on bass and vocals, includes Elisabeth Lid Trøen (BERGEN BIG BAND, TRØEN/ARNESEN KVARTETT) on saxophones, Gabriela Garrubo (GARRUBO, METTESON, AMAILIE HOLT KLEIVE) on vocals, Simen Walle (ATARI, NELLY, MALUM) on guitars and Kenneth Kapstad (SPIDERGAWD, COBRA KRAFT, MONOLITHIC, GOAT THE HEAD, ex-MOTORPSYCHO etc.) on drums. 

Whilst firmly rooted in Jazz and Improvisation, SHAKAI’s musicians are  trained  in a wide variety of disciplines, which, along with their varied backgrounds and experience in diverse projects, allows them to  create a unique and varied sound. 

The name SHAKAI itself is derived from the Japanese word for “society”, and it could be said that its members actually do form a “society”  comprised of five individuals, each with their own stories and differing perspectives, and each contributing music and lyrics that touch on everything, from life’s big questions, small stories, reckonings with the past, and hopes for the future.

With “Fragments” SHAKAI have created an album that is both beautiful and raw, playful and strange. Recorded at Bergen’s Duper Studio with producers Jørgen Træen and Iver Sandøy, and with artwork by Tom Korsvold, the seven-track album is due for release on Is It Jazz? Records on the 7th June.

Track listing on “Fragments” is as follows:

1. Kanskje
2. Not Yours
3. Oh Well
4. Dandelion Child
5. Ville bare
6. Lullaby
7. Changes

“Fragments” will be released in LP and Digital formats and is now available to  pre-order from:

Website: https://isitjazzrecords.no/product/shakai-fragments-black-vinyl/
Bandcamp: https://shakai.bandcamp.com/album/fragments

SHAKAI’s next live appearance will be on the 5th April at the Sogndal Kulturhus in Norway. where fans will be able to witness a band whose stage presence is one of studied ease, almost, at times, of introspection. But, rest assured, that whilst 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.

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 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/

KARISMA RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH SWEDISH PROG ROCKERS AGUSA

Posted: February 29, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Karisma Records have inked a deal with Swedish Prog Rockers AGUSA that will see the label re-release the band’s first five studio albums.

AGUSA has been at the forefront of the Swedish Psychedelic Prog scene since the band’s formation in 2013.  Based in Malmö, Sweden, AGUSA’s lineup of Simon Ström on bass, Nicolas Difonis on drums, Mikael Ödesjö on guitar, Roman Andrén on keys, and Jenny Puertas on Flute, have appeared live internationally both on the club circuit as well as at a variety of Prog festivals. 

They have, over the years, garnered a reputation for their ability to perform meditative soft parts, combined with epic interludes and the occasional trip to a rock hard darkness, all of which provide audiences with an unforgettable live experience.

AGUSA’s sound is one that effortlessly ranges from majestic beauty to violent outbursts. It blends tripped-out psychedelic and progressive rock structures aimed at instilling visions of nature and the cosmos.  Whilst dreamlike passages meander into realms of a possibly supernatural or parallel existence. This is instrumental music where the instruments, and the people playing them,  communicate directly with the hearts and minds of the listener.

Drawing on influences from Nordic and Latin American folk music, AGUSA’s roots run deep into the ambits of space rock, kraut rock and jazz. Combine these varied aspects with the band’s traditional foundation, and you get a group of musicians  who interpret things their own way, and,  whilst AGUSA’s music takes you back to the 70s,  it is, at the same time,  something new and unexplored. It is the sound of a band that has forged a strong musical identity for itself.  One that is unmistakably its own.

The five albums that will be released on Karisma Records are HÖGTID (2014), TVÅ (2015), AGUSA (2017), EN ANNAN VÄRLD (2021) and PRIMA MATERIA (2023).  More details to follow.

Of their upcoming collaboration with Karisma Records, AGUSA had this to say:

Karisma is the most interesting and ambitious record label for progressive rock music in Scandinavia right now. We are happy and proud to join their roster of talented artists and bands. Great things ahead. Hold on to your hats!

More information about AGUSA can be found on the band’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/agusaband

A video of AGUSA performing live at the Minnuendö festival in Spain in 2023 can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/GUEzvccjGgA?si=NzP6iWj7d0u772Ay

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AGUSA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/agusaband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agusa.band/
Bandcamp: https://agusaband.bandcamp.com/
Email: agusaband@gmail.comP
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD RELEASE BLACK SABBATH COVER SINGLE

Posted: October 20, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When Karisma Records released WIZRD’s debut full-length album “Seasons”  in the autumn of 2022, they introduced to the world a band who chose to include all the best, and most interesting, aspects of Rock,  Indie,  Jazz and Prog within their sound –  and then proceeded to break a few rules.   The result was an album that was filled with beautiful vocal harmonies, stunning melodies, quirky jazz grooves and a rock’n’roll drive to die for.

Now, having begun work on their next album, WIZARD and Karisma Records have once again come together, this time to release a cover of the seminal BLACK SABBATH track “The Wizard”.   As the band explains:

Hello hooray! While we are busy recording our second album, we thought it would be good to bring you all a little nugget. This song was a part of our set list a few years back, when we did some shows where the audience could vote and choose in advance what kind of artists we should do a cover of. We all love Black Sabbath. Duh, who doesn’t!? This track is a blast to play, and somehow we feel some kind of kinship to it…and not only because of the title! 

We hope you will enjoy it. Here it is; “The Wizard” by Black Sabbath, à la WIZRD!

“The Wizard”, which is only available in Digi format can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/WIZRD-The-Wizard

WIZRD’s lineup is comprised of  Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums.

Having met whilst studying at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, each of the band’s four members bring with them a variety of influences and skills, thereby allowing them to test the limits of their musical horizons –  something they don’t hesitate in doing. 

Norwegian fans of WIZRD will have the chance to see the band live before the end of the year when they are scheduled to play the following dates:

28 Oct:  Victoria, Bergen
17 Nov: Energimølla, Kongsberg
25 Nov:  Værfast, Horten

Whilst booking has already commenced for 2024 with a show at Postkontoret in Oslo on the 6th April

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

A video of the band in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”,  by WIZRD ‘s producer, the Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth,  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/kzP2VOduRCU?si=V56As-7dRKrZ2HU1

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wizrdtheband/
BandCamp: https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/
Band Contact:  hallvardgaardlos@hotmail.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

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