Norwegian Jazz in the heart of Madrid
What a Norwegian jazz violin player has in common with a flamenco guitar player? Or what have in common Norwegian traditional nomad songs with flamenco-jazz fusion? Much more than might be assumed at first glance. Above all, the strong belief that music knows no borders and it is the bond that unites all of us. And a group of first-rate artists will show it in Madrid.
13.05.2014
Aiming to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Spain and Norway, from May 21 to June 13, the first Contemporary Norwegian Jazz Cycle will take place in La Latina, the heart of Madrid, an original project financed by EEA Grants through Norwegian Embassy in Madrid within the Cultural Diversity and Cultural Exchange Programme.
During the press presentation of this initiative in the cultural space Off de La Latina, the organizers emphasized the idea behind the project: “Connecting North and South through music”. The project consists of five Norwegian jazz and flamenco jazz concerts that will be accompanied by a cultural exchange workshop between Norwegian and Spanish musicians and the outcomes will be presented in a public conference on June 13.
The offering is amazing: a first-rate line-up that includes some of the leading figures of Norwegian jazz. The first Live concert -on May 21- featured Norwegian Terje Insunsegt, one of the most peculiar percussionists in Europe, who uses materials like ice or wood for his instruments. Terje performed accompanied by Arve Henriksen on the trumpet and Sara Marielle Gaup, who brought the traditional songs of Sámi nomads from the faraway lands of northern Norway. The concert was a great success and it received some good critics.
On May 22, it will be Arve Henriksen turn. Without a doubt, the most versatile musician of his generation, this trumpet player nominated to the best European jazz musician Award in 2009 will perform accompanied by “electronics guru” Jan Bang. The third concert will be on May 29, and Nils Petter Molvaer will demonstrate why he is considered the most emblematic and innovative trumpet player of the Norwegian jazz scene and one of the best in Europe. Nils Petter will present for the first time his latest album at Off de La Latina (Madrid).
Ola Kvenberg will perform on June 12. A violin player who has received many Awards and who “makes a jazz unlike anything you’ve ever heard”, according to those who know him.
A concert with Norwegian and Spanish artists will bring a fabulous close to a festival. A fusion experiment that cannot go wrong with musicians like Josemi Carmona, Ola Kvernberg, Pablo Martín Camerino, Steinar Raknes, Enriquito, Erik Nylander and Bandolero. An awesome cultural experience to foster mutual understanding between Norway and Spain.