Glasshouse - Bliss Quintet
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”.
Bliss Quintets second album, «Glasshouse» (2023) features eight new musical contributions from all the band members, following their democratically driven bandmentality. 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 band’s 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.