Say Jazz! – The Modern Jazz Fusion Collective

Say Jazz! is a dynamic instrumental ensemble from Oslo, Norway, known for blending contemporary electronic production with classic jazz improvisation. The group's 2021 album, 'Circuit Breaker,' achieved critical acclaim and charted within the Top 20 of the Norwegian album charts, solidifying their status as innovators in the Nordic jazz scene.

Early career

Formed in 2016 by keyboardist and producer Lars Mikkelsen and saxophonist Eira Solberg, Say Jazz! began as a studio project exploring the intersection of live instrumentation and synthesized soundscapes. Their self-released debut EP, 'First Input,' in 2017, caught the attention of the independent Norwegian label Jazzland Recordings, leading to a signing and the development of their first full-length work.

Breakthrough

The collective's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with the single 'Neon Fjord,' a track that masterfully combined Solberg's soaring saxophone melodies with pulsating, minimalist beats. Released by Jazzland, the song became a staple on streaming playlists and specialty radio, driving attention toward their subsequent album releases and earning a gold certification in Norway for streaming equivalents.

Key tracks

Neon Fjord — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound of atmospheric jazz over a subtle electronic groove.

Circuit Breaker — The title track from their 2021 album showcases complex, interlocking rhythms and expansive improvisational sections.

Midnight Sun Drive — A collaboration with trumpeter Nubya Garcia, this track highlights their international appeal and collaborative spirit.

Pixel Rain — Known for its intricate keyboard work and dynamic shifts, it became a fan favorite in live performances.

The success of 'Circuit Breaker' led to extensive European touring and notable festival appearances at North Sea Jazz Festival and Oslo Jazz Festival. Their follow-up, 2023's 'Synthetica,' saw the group experimenting with more ambient textures while maintaining their core improvisational ethos, further cementing their album-oriented approach in the modern jazz genre.

For listeners who appreciate the innovative, genre-blending approach of Say Jazz!, several other artists from the Norwegian scene explore similar territories. Jaga Jazzist shares their ambition for large-scale, intricately arranged instrumental compositions. Jazzland is not only their label but also a collective representing the cutting edge of Norwegian jazz experimentation. The electronic-inflected work of Josefina Cronholm offers a vocal counterpart to their instrumental explorations. Finally, the genre-defying productions of Jan Bang resonate with Say Jazz!'s studio-as-instrument philosophy.

The music of Say Jazz! is a regular feature on the eclectic playlists of modern jazz and fusion radio stations across our network. Their tracks are programmed alongside other boundary-pushing artists on dedicated online jazz streams and independent music radio stations that champion instrumental innovation.

You can discover the intricate sound of Say Jazz! by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can explore their discography and hear their latest tracks through the curated jazz and fusion stations available on onairium.com.