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Broken Cycle is a collective trio made up of saxophonist Angelika Niescier from Köln, guitarist Hilmar Jensson from Reykjavík and the American drummer Scott McLemore. The music is a unique brand of organized chaos straddling the dividing line between freedom and form. 2015 saw their debut album “Broken Cycle” which received glowing reviews from the international press such as Jazz ‘n’ More in Switzerland, Jazzrytmit in Finland, Jazz Convention in Italy and it was chosen for the Europe Media Chart by Jazz Special in Denmark. Since then they have performed together both in Iceland and Europe and have begun work on a follow-up album. Both Hilmar and Scott are well known to the Icelandic jazz audience, but although Angelika has performed in Iceland several times, many may not know that she is among the busiest bees on the German jazz scene. She has received many awards including the ECHO Jazz award in 2010 and the prestigious German Jazz Prize in 2017 and her albums win the praise of critics in Germany and abroad. Her album “Sublim III” was called “the best German jazz recording since 10 years ” by Jazzthing Magazine and they chose her 2011 album “Quite Simply” as […]

Louis Cole is a Los Angeles based singer songwriter, Grammy awarded producer, composer and multi-instrumentalists. Celebrated as one of the world’s most future-sonic-funk drummers and co-founder of KNOWER, his mission is “to create deep feelings through music.” Cole has proudly been DIY to date, amassing millions of views with his viral videos like ‘Bank Account’, international tours and debut album ‘Time’ released on Brainfeeder. Known for presenting a show that you will never forget, Louis Cole’s powerful stage presence invites you into his broad and deep sound world. As a multi-instrumentalist his writing is a blend of quickfire, hook-laden electro-funk bullets, wistful humor and soft-focus deep balladry. Always performing from the heart of his vastly imaginative emotional portrait, Louis Cole’s songs evolve with his live concerts that feature his 18-piece brass band, to full brass ensembles with WDR Bob Mintzer, or his own solo show. At the forefront of redefining what jazz, electronics and cinematics sounds like; Louis Cole long time collaborators also flavour his sonic mix, notably Thundercat, Genevieve Artadi, Dennis Hamm to and acclaimed jazz pianist and experimental composer Brad Mehldau who featured on his album ‘Time’.

The Norwegian/Icelandic quartet ASTRA is proud to release their debut album In Orbit. A story of time and space through a transatlantic fellowship between Norway and Iceland. The idea was formed around uniting the Norwegian and Icelandic jazz scene by creating a project that was unique and borderless. Iceland’s well known alto saxophonist Sigurður Flosason joins forces with guitarist Andrés Thor in a collaboration with Norwegian bassist Andreas Dreier and Anders Thorén on the drums. Together they form a unit that exhibits new energy and an immediate musical bond that moves the listener from the first note. In Orbit offers a musical journey through time and space. Rugged yet beautiful Nordic sonic landscapes meet the intensity of a space launch in tracks such as Leaving Earth. The music on In Orbit can be described as modern lyrical jazz with strong melodies, beautiful harmonic structures and rythmic dexterity. In Orbit is a musical journey of time and space that is always evolving and never intending to slow down. The album was recorded by Birgir Jón Birgisson at Sundlaugin Studio, Iceland Jan 18-19, 2020. Mixed and mastered by Hafþór “Tempó” Karlssonc at Dallas Studio. Sigurður Flosason : alto saxophone Andrés Thor : […]

Óskar Guðjónsson has been an in-demand saxophone player since his teens. Jazz and improvised music is, and has always been, very close to his heart. He tends to keep busy and is a founding member of the critically acclaimed group ADHD which tours regularly throughout Europe. He has also collaborated with bassist Skúli Sverrisson in the past which so far has produced two albums and countless concerts. With an urge to explore the classic jazz sound of a horn accompanied by a piano trio, Óskar formed the quartet MOVE with pianist Eyþór Gunnarsson, bassist Valdimar Kolbeinn Sigurjónsson and drummer Matthías M.D. Hemstock. Since 2017 the group has got together on a weekly basis for rehearsals and exploration of their compositions and collective sound. The members are all well established on the Icelandic music scene and are known for their distinctive sound and personal approach to the various projects they take on.   Óskar Guðjónsson : tenor saxophone Eyþór Gunnarsson : piano Valdimar Kolbeinn Sigurjónsson : bass Matthías M.D. Hemstock : drums

Reykjavík Jazz and Center Hotels invite you to a happy hour at Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar. DÓH trio was founded in 2013. The members have played together for many years in different projects and joined together in DÓH trio to explore the guitar, saxophone and drums combination. Their first concert was at Reykjavík Jazzfestival 2013 and the trio has played in many different settings since. Their debut album was released in 2018 with a release concert at the Reykjavík Jazzfestival that same year. The following year the album was nominated as jazzalbum of the year at the Icelandic Music Awards and the group was also nominated as performers of the year at the same awards. Their music is an exploration of many different genres and is threaded together by improvisation and the joy of making music together. The band will release their sophomore album this year. Helgi R. Heiðarsson – saxophone Daníel Helgason – guitar, bass guitar Óskar Kjartansson – drums

Guitarist Andrés Þór and pianist Agnar Már Magnússon have played together for a long time in various different projects ranging from a school band while they were both teenagers to the collective ASA Trio which they lead with drummer Scott McLemore and everything in between. They have also both been energetic in performing, releasing their own music and leading projects both in Iceland as well as abroad. On March 31st they released a duo album in honor of the late composer Jón Múli Árnason who would have turned 100 years old this year. The title of the album is “Aldarfar“ and it features 11 tunes in all, 9 by Jón Múli and 2 by Agnar and Andrés respectively, specifically composed as a tribute to the late, great composer. For the Reykjavík Jazz concert the duo will perform music from their recently released album. Andrés Þór Gunnlaugsson : guitar Agnar Már Magnússon : piano

“A call from under the covers” – Release concert at Reykjavík Jazz 2021 The bass player/composer Tómas R. Einarsson will release a new record in August, including compositions he has written to poems of different poets. Einarsson has released various records with singers, but here the focus is on love and melancholy. The music includes many boleros and ballads as well as some more danceable Latin tunes. For this record Einarsson assembled a stellar cast; the singer Ragnhildur Gísladóttir, one of the most popular Icelandic singers for the last 40 years, guitarist Ómar Guðjónsson, pianist Davíð Þór Jónsson and drummer Magnús Trygvason Elíassen. Ómar, Davíð and Magnús are known as solo artists, members of the ADHD Quartet and performers / composers in the critically acclaimed film Woman at war. The title of the record, A call from under the covers, is from a poem by Kristín Svava Tómasdóttir (b. 1985). Ragnhildur Gísladóttir : voice Tómas R. Einarsson : double bass Ómar Guðjónsson : guitar Davíð Þór Jónsson : piano Magnús Trygvason Eliassen : drums / percussion

Two unusual trios performing at the same time, taking turns and feeding off each other. Two wind players, two guitarists and two percussionists venture on untrodden paths with a curious combo. Will they be fencing, playing a call and response or embracing passionately? Are these maybe three duos? This will be revealed at the Reykjavík Jazz Festival. The music is written by the members of the two trios who have been at the forefront of the Icelandic jazz scene for many years and lead their own projects as well as being busy sidemen. Ari Bragi Kárason : trumpet Jóel Pálsson : saxophone Hilmar Jensson : guitar Guðmundur Pétursson : guitar Magnús Tryggvason Eliassen : percussion Matthías MD Hemstock : percussion

Known for her soulful funk and pop music, powerful live performances and vocals you don’t want to mess with, Una Stef first appeared on the Icelandic music scene in 2014 with her debut album ‘Songbook’. Since then, she has been a regular at the top radio charts, performing her own music and working with many of Iceland’s finest musicians. After years of working together; Una and her band finally made it official: they are now an item. In 2018 ‘Una Stef & the SP74’ was born. That same year they were nominated for ‘Song of the year’ at the Icelandic Music Awards and Una as ‘Singer of the year’. Una Stef & the SP74 are festival favourites for many, as their explosive live shows have become famous for getting the unlikeliest audiences up on their feet dancing and laughing their socks off. It’s funk and fun! Una Stef : vocals / flute Daníel Helgason : guitar / keyboards Sólveig Moravék : saxophone / flute Baldur Kristjánsson : bass Sólrún Mjöll Kjartansdóttir : drums Elvar Bragi Kristjónsson : trumpet / flugelhorn

Reykjavík Jazz and Center Hotels invite you to a Jazz brunch at Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar. Book your table here! Rebekka Blöndal is one of the most promising jazz singers in Iceland. She has kept herself busy performing the last few years and with that received a well-deserved place in the Icelandic jazz scene. Her debut album is due this fall, following her newly released EP. The music is mostly written by Rebekka and the guitarist Ásgeir Ásgeirsson. Rebekka will be performing along with Ásgeir Ásgeirsson on guitar, Sigmar Þór Matthíasson on bass and Matthías Hemstock on drums.

This Danish duo seem to have the best of both worlds: a compelling live presence and carefully construted albums. They released their debut album, Knob, in March 2019. The album became the Album of the Week on the Danish national radio, and secured the duo two awards at the Danish Music Awards gala. Their live energy brought them a victory in the national jazz competition JazzKonkurrencen 2019. The music, composed by both, pianist Nikolaj Svaneborg and drummer Jonas Kardyb, is minimalistic and atmospheric. According to the duo, it was created “over the blackest of coffee in the earliest of mornings”. This performance is a part of the NORDIC JAZZ COMETS project. Nikolaj Svaneborg : Würlitzer, synthesizer, piano Jonas Kardyb : drums, percussion

Kadi Vija Key Project is a fresh and innovative jazz group built around the outstanding Finnish/Estonian jazz singer Kadi Vija. The ensemble strives for the sound that is soft but substantial, quiet but captivating, sound that stays on the listener’s mind but leaves it hungry for more. Kadi Vija’s uncommon singing style is influenced by instrumental improvised music, flowing thoughts and abstractness. Vija’s music draws from modernism, jazz and film scores. This quartet, with a refreshing instrumentation of vocals, bass clarinet, guitar and drums, released their debut album Roaming In The Contemporary Society To Make Peace With It in May 2020. This performance is a part of the NORDIC JAZZ COMETS project. Kadi Vija : vocals Max Zenger : bass clarinet Tuomo Dahlblom : guitar Tuomas Timonen : drums