Released September 29th 2023
Bliss Quintet represents a new generation of young Norwegian jazz musicians, and has in the recent years established themselves as one of the most promising young bands on the Norwegian jazz-scene. After signing with the label Jazzland, the band released their critically acclaimed debut-album «Dramaqueen» in 2022, and has since been playing regularly around Europe and Scandinavia. Following their first release, the band embarked on a tour in Norway, Denmark and Iceland, and after winning two prices in the 7virtual Jazz Competition, the band was given the opportunity to extend their presence into Europe, playing in Ferrara, Italy and at Jazzahead!, Bremen the spring of 2023. With its unique ensemble sound, combining sharp swing and traditional jazz, nordic lyricism and free, raw uncompromising energy, Bliss Quintet was named by Selwyn Harris from Jazzwise (UK) as «…yet another impressive-sounding young Norwegian band for the future”.
This fall sees the release of Bliss Quintets second album, «Glasshouse» (2023). The album features eight new musical contributions from all of the band members, following their democratically driven band-mentality. Dramatic and sentimental ballads, catchy propelling fanfare-like horn-riffs, complex grooves and open harmonic landscapes are central themes throughout. Still well-kept and maintained in the bands sound, is the focus on playful interaction, wild energetic presence and elements of free playing, following in the footsteps of renowned nordic bands such as Atomic and Masqualero. Key elements such as the dynamic duo-sound of Oscar Andreas Haugs quarter-toned trumpet and Zakarias Meyer Øverlis majestic tenor-tone forms the frontline and face of the records sound, and is accompanied by the lyrical and classical-inspired piano-playing of Benjamín Gísli Einarsson, the intense and propelling drumming of Rino Sivathas, and the rare sound of Gard Kronborgs acoustic bassguitar.
Glasshouse will see the light of day on the 29th of September 2023, and will be available on CD, vinyl and streaming. Following the release, Bliss Quintet will set out on tour in Europe and Scandinavia.
Track listing
Reminiscin' - Gard Kronborg
Ida - Oscar Andreas Haug
Episode - Oscar Andreas Haug
Skuggabaldur - Zakarias Meyer Øverli
Harmløs - Oscar Andreas Haug
Glasshouse - Rino Sivathas
Downside - Benjamín Gísli Einarsson
Adjøsang - Benjamín Gísli Einarsson
Credits
Tracks 1,2,4,6,8 recorded by Vidar Lunden at Musikkloftet 11. January 2023
Tracks 3,5,7 recorded by Francesco Blasig at Eastland Studios in Cormòns, Italy 18. March 2023
Mixed by Kyrre Laastad at Øra Studio
Mastered by Karl Klaseie at Øra Mastering
Photo by Sigrid Erdal
Artwork by Juliane Schütz.
Oscar Andreas Haug - trumpet
Zakarias Meyer Øverli - sax
Benjamín Gísli Einarsson - piano
Gard Kronborg - bass
Rino Sivathas - drums
Reviews of “Glasshouse” and concerts
”Their collective approach to music is unmistakable, showcasing a remarkable level of communication among the players.” - Steven James, Jazz in Europe
”Undoubtedly, there’s a distinctive and noteworthy quality permeating throughout “Glasshouse,” solidifying Bliss Quintet’s position at the forefront of contemporary jazz.” - Steven James, Jazz in Europe
”And so the band's second album, "Glasshouse", appears timeless and wild in style in the sense of exuberant creativity. There's definitely still a lot going on.” - Rolf Dombrowski, Jazzthing (GER)
”What struck me most was the remarkable maturity displayed in their playing and compositions, a surprising depth given the youthfulness of the band members. It was clear that there was something unique about their approach.” - Andrew Read