Jaga Jazzist

Jaga Jazzist

Jaga Jazzist is a Norwegian experimental jazz group from Tønsberg, active since 1994. The band forms around the Horntveth brothers, Lars Horntveth and Martin Horntveth, who are the main songwriters. Martin Horntveth starts the group with Ivar Christian Johansen in 1994, while they are still teenagers. Johansen later leaves and goes on to other projects, including Ravi.

Style and instrumentation

The group works across jazz, acid jazz, jazz fusion, post-rock and electronic music, and is often associated with nu jazz. Their line-up uses a wide range of instruments, including trumpets, trombone, electric guitar, bass, tuba, bass clarinets, Fender Rhodes, vibraphone and electronics. Their music is marked by strong melodies and rhythmic patterns, and they are influenced by artists such as Talk Talk, Soft Machine, John Coltrane, Don Cherry, Aphex Twin, Stereolab, Squarepusher and Tortoise.

Reputation and releases

The band draws wider attention when the BBC names their first official album, A livingroom hush, the best jazz album of 2002. The album is released on Smalltown Supersound and Ninja Tune. Jaga Jazzist is widely regarded as one of the leading acts in the Scandinavian nu-jazz scene.

Other connections

Alongside Jaga Jazzist, the Horntveth brothers are also known through the Norwegian pop act The National Bank and their solo work.