"Vardøger" is the title of Talisman Group's second release. You can certainly hear the The Nordic Sound on this one, but in a most international setting: Indian tabla drums, North African chanting, and Latin American percussion. World Music or fusion fans - you'll like this one. Odin NJ4052

The music of Thelonious Monk has fascinated Knut Kristiansen to such an extent that his whole career has been influenced strongly by Monk and his compositions. On this studio session, Knut Kristiansen has arranged a selection of well-known Monk tunes for different ensembles all including top-level Norwegian musicians. Odin NJ4051

Lee Konitz has joined his cool Norwegian friends on this important record, with amazing interpretations of Tristano school material - and some new tunes. Konitz' sax duets with John Pål Inderberg are especially impressive. This is cool jazz of the 1990's. Several live tracks from Norwegian jazz clubs are included. Odin NJ4050

Airamero is one of the central Norwegian jazz groups of the 1990s. Based on free improvisation around melodic themes, the music of Airamero takes you to unexpected landscapes of harmony and rythm. The compositions are written by sax player Trygve Seim and pianist Christian Wallumrød, two of Norway's leading young musicians in modern acoustic jazz. Odin NJ4049

This is the second Orleysa recording for Odin. This time, Berit Opheim alone is responsible for the vocals, much based on the Norwegian folk music tradition. Terje Isungset's polyrythmic grooves makes this album especially interesting, giving the old folk tunes new rythmic possibilities. Leading sax player Tore Brunborg is featured on this record. Odin NJ4048

The folk music of the Romsdal valley (by Molde) is the starting point for this beautiful recording. Bass player Terje Venaas and singer Ingeborg Hungnes invited such prominent musicians as Jon Christensen, Bendik Hofseth and Stian Carstensen to this session, and the result is appealing to folk music enthusiasts as well as jazz buffs. Odin NJ4047

The North Norwegian pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff is now generally acknowledged as one of Norway's leading jazz musicians. The "Syklus" album, which is Jan Gunnar Hoff Group's debut album, has been described as "the vitamin injection of 1993". It is definitely a key recording in the Norwegian catalogue, as the group is one of the most popular in Norway and is in great demand at festivals and jazz clubs. Odin NJ4046

"First Set" is a Trondheim-based band, musically close to the Weather Report tradition. Arve Furset's refreshing use of analogue synthesizers is an important characteristic of this band. This was one of the first "younger generation" Norwegian bands to record for the Odin Label. Odin NJ4045

In March 1981, Radka Toneff performed with Steve Dobrogosz, Arild Andersen and Alex Riel at "Onkel Pö" in Hamburg. This was the group she worked with between 1980 and 1982, and fortunately this recording was made by Norddeutscher Rundfunk. The album was released over ten years after Radka Toneff's death, and is together with the "Fairytales" album the most cherished of Odin's productions. Odin NJ4044

Rune Klakegg is a multi-talented artist, apart from playing several instruments he is a composer and arranger and he is also well known for his production of drawings. On this album, we meet Klakegg mainly as the acoustic pianist. The recording offers a selection of fascinating Klakegg compostitions performed by his own trio, established in 1986. Odin NJ4043

If you listen closely, you will find the red thread. It is secret, but it is there. This trio is about as far from being superficial as possible. The communication between vibes player Waring, drummer Jakobsen and bassist Iversen is based upon the finest principles of chamber music - listening, creativity and interaction. Odin NJ4042

Jazz or punk, fusion or free, hip or hop. The Jazz-Punk Ensemble was founded in 1983 and every concert has been an extraordinary event. Each of these twelve musicians belong to the absolute upper class of Norwegian improvising musicians. The Ensemble functions as a melting pot for ideas crossing musical boundaries. With two keyboard players, two bassists and three drummers, several rythm sections can be active simultaneously - perhaps one doing "jazz" and one doing "punk" - or something entirely different... Odin NJ4041

Knut Riisnæs and Jon Christensen are central figures in contemporary Norwegian and European jazz. This CD, featuring John Scofield and Palle Danielsson, is not surprisingly one of Odin's most popular releases. The album received Spellemannsprisen (Norway's Grammy award equivalent) in 1992. Odin NJ4040

Orleysa is a word that means "to give an expression of something". This "something" is on this recording Norwegian folk music. With two fine vocalists that usually sing this music in its original form, the band Orleysa give the music another dimension with plenty of space for improvisation. Featured is also saxophonist Tore Brunborg. Most of the music is written/arranged by Brazz Bros. trumpeter Jan Magne Førde. Odin NJ4039

Ragtime music on a contemporary Norwegian label? This is actually an integral part of the contemporary Odin catalogue! Since Norway has one of the finest ragtime pianist and arrangers of today, Morten Gunnar Larsen, ODIN did not hesitate to release this superb recording of music of Irving Berlin, Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake and others. This music is reverently played by the Ophelia Ragtime Orchestra. Odin NJ4038

Nordjazz Big 5 is the result of bringing five Nordic composers together with one of the worlds finest big bands of today, The Danish radio Big Band. The project was initiated by Nordjazz 1987 and resulted in a concert in famous Montmartre Jazzhouse. This beautiful and unusually textured big band music was composed by Peter Gullin (Sweden), Vidar Johansen (Norway), Stefán Stefánson (Iceland), Kari Komppa (Finland) and Kim Kristensen (Denmark). Odin NJ4037

This is the first recording presenting saxophonist Arne Frang as a front musician. The Talisman Group performs original compositions, mostly by Frang and keyboard player Bugge Wesseltoft. The music has a strong ethnic flavour, ranging from arrangements of old folk tunes to modern compositions - but from the same sources. This is one of Odin's most popular releases. Odin NJ4036

Bjørn Alterhaug is well known as one of Norway's finest bass players, in the bebop- tradition, as well as in a more modern context. On "Constellations", he has brought together his long time favourite and fellow musicians, to participate in a variety of his own compositions from the last decade. This impressive and cohesive music features such international names as Karin Krog and John Surman. "Constellations" was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy award, Spellemannsprisen, in 1991. Odin NJ4035

This is one of Norway's most exiting and inspiring improvisational groups at the threshold of the 90's. The trio - Jon Balke, Per Jørgensen and Audun Kleive - seeks its own, independent style, but at the same time demonstrated an impressive knowledge of the jazz tradition. This recording was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy award equivalent, "Spellemannsprisen", in 1991. Odin NJ4034

"Notes For Nature" is a jazz suite based on the music Per Husby wrote for the TV documentary "2048" in 1988. The documentary dealt with two of the worst threats to our ecological environment today - the greenhouse effect and the reduction of the ozone layer. The dramatics of this issue, combined with the vulnerable beauty of nature, can easily be traced in the music. Odin NJ4033

The Morten Halle / Jon Eberson quartet was formed in 1986 and has since been one of the most poular and admired small jazz groups in the unmistakable "Norwegian" category. On this album, Morten Halle compositions are given special attention, and Jon Ebersons uniquely personal guitar style gives this recording a "no nonsense" feel. Odin NJ4032

Extended Noise was formed in the fall of 1982 under the name "AHA !!" The group was gradually turned into a quintet (guitar player Frode Alnæs, later Bjørn Klakegg was the fifth member), and stayed this way until early 1987. This band was one of the central forces in the close-to-almost-free-improvised-music movement in Norway in the mid-1980s, with elements as far apart as tango and free blowing. Odin NJ4031

Dag Arnesen is without question one of the finest Norwegian jazz pianists, much inspired by hard bop and 1960s styles. This is a delicate trio recording with bassist Bjørn Kjellemyr and drummer Svein "Chrico" Christiansen. The "Renascent" album highlights Arnesens considerable composing skills, and will offer much especially to the piano trio lover. ODIN NJ4030

This is The Brazz Bros.' second ODIN release. This unconventional brass band was recorded in an informal and intimate setting - a live performance at the Oslo Jazz House. Being the central jazz venue in Oslo since 1984, the Jazz House is ideal for all types of improvised music, and reflects the fact that the Brazz Bros. repertoire spans from old Norwegian folk tunes via the American standards to originals by the band members. Odin NJ4029

The Fair Play constellation is a very strong one, combining Elin Rosselands superb vocals with leading instrumentalists such as pianist Vigleik Storaas. In Rosseland's phrasing and creative use of vocals, you can clearly hear the inspiration from Sidsel Endresen, although Rosseland has developed her own very personal style. Indeed, her voice is very different from any other. Odin NJ4027

This quartet recording has proved to be an important one. Tore Brunborg and Vigleik Storaas have become among the foremost of Norwegian instrumentalists - Brunborg with his unmistakable tenor and soprano saxophone sound, Storaas as a brilliant pianist with a fresh approach to the acoustic piano jazz tradition. Kamfjord Kopperud provide imaginative and unpredictable playing. This quartet recording has proved to be an important one. Tore Brunborg and Vigleik Storaas have become among the foremost of Norwegian instrumentalists - Brunborg with his unmistakable tenor and soprano saxophone sound, Storaas as a brilliant pianist with a fresh approach to the acoustic piano jazz tradition. Kamfjord Kopperud provide imaginative and unpredictable playing. Odin NJ4026

Circulasione Totale Orchestra is Frode Gjerstad's ever-circulating band in which he has the freedom to experiment with younger and more experienced free players. This band is inspired by among others Ayler, Coleman, Lacy, but including of younger, more rock- based musicians makes this music quite different. Odin NJ4025

This album consists of challenging piano trio jazz. According to pianist Armen Donelian, from the U.S., "... it's very refreshing to play with Scandinavian musicians who are familiar with the methodology of improvisation but have a different tradition." The Scandinavians in mind here are Carl Morten Iversen and Audun Kleive. Odin NJ4024

This album demonstrates modern Norwegian chamber jazz of superb quality. Consistently expressive soloists, influenced by the 1960s and 1970s, combined with an excellent rhythm section, has made this album a favourite for many Norwegian jazz fans. And the compositions are of the sort you never get out of your head once you've heard them. Odin NJ4023

According to author Lars Saabye Christensen, Oslo 13 is somewhere one arrives with great expectations. One must always be prepared for surprises, as everything can happen there. And it does. Jon Balke has written most of the compositions, all having a timeless quality. According to the Penguin jazz guide, «Off Balance» is a superb effort - the soloists are uniformy excellent, and the balance of the band is radically out of synch with any other contemporary large ensemble. Odin NJ4022

This recording came about much in the same way as a jazz solo is created – spontaneously and in full stride. In the course of five hours, including rehearsals, this set was recorded. This is a valuable documentation of Norwegian jazz, featuring Bjørn Johansen, one of Norways most prominent sax player in his style for several decades, together with the leading Cedar Walton Trio. Odin NJ4021

The Brazz Brothers are undoubtedly Norways most notable, humourous and popular jazz brothers. They have toured extensively in Scandinavia and the rest of the world, and have an ability to convert even those who imagine they don't care for jazz! «Brazzy Landscapes», is the first of a series of albums, all with legendary drummer Egil «Bop» Johansen. This particular record also features Phil Minton. Odin NJ4020

Guitarist Jon Ebersons style is highly original, influenced by rock and punk as much as jazz. Despite the "energy" emphasis on much of his playing, Eberson can also be characterized as one of the most lyrical guitar players in Norway, especially documented in his work with Sidsel Endresen. This trio CD mainly presents the versatility of Jon Eberson together with drummer Audun Kleive and Bjørn Kjellemyr on electric and acoustic basses. Odin NJ4019

Karin Krog has, together with Jan Garbarek and Terje Rypdal, been one of the most prominent figures in Norwegian jazz since the late 1960's. Her work ranges from standards interpretations to free forms with state-of-the-art use of electronics and effects. On this records, she collaborates with English sax player John Surman, known from numerous ECM albums. Odin NJ4017

A very remarkable night at Molde International Jazz Festival in 1984! The Norwegian / Gambian group «Tamma» teamed up with legendary trumpet player Don Cherry and percussionist Ed Blackwell, resulting in a band communicating strong and extraordinary ideas of energy and rhythm. This percussion-based album was for a long time out of print, but is now again available. Odin NJ4014

Masqualero is one of Norway's most internationally known bands. When established in 1983, the group called itself Arild Andersen / Jon Christensen Quintet, but almost immediately changed its name to Masqualero, named after Wayne Shorter's famous tune. The Odin recording is their first album, and since they have recorded three albums for ECM. This record contains previously unissued tracks from the 1983 studio recording, as well as from the 1985 ECM session. Odin NJ4008

Knut Riisnæs had for many years been one of Norway's foremost tenor sax players when «Flukt» was released in 1982. The Quartet consists, in addition to Riisnæs, of Dag Arnesen, piano, Bjørn Kjellemyr bass, Jon Christensen on drums. Starting off with an incredibly strong performance of Miriam Makeba's «Ljwa Wechi», this record combines the modern American jazz tradition with influences of Africa as well as Scandinavia, and it is one of Odin's most popular. Odin NJ4005

The Fairytales album is the late Norwegian singer Radka Toneff's most appreciated and well-known album. Together with pianist Steve Dobrogosz, this duo explores a number of tunes in an unusually subtle and reflective way, making the recording oustanding among vocal/piano duet albums. Unfortunately, this was to be Radka Toneffs last studio recording. The "Fairytales" album is a special album in all senses. Odin NJ4003

Dag Arnesens highly intelligent piano playing is firmly rooted in the American 1960s tradition, although on this record he shows a wider range of influences, such as fusion and tango. «Ny Bris» was the first «modern jazz» album to emerge from the active Bergen jazz community, and Arnesen's collaborators, among them saxophonist Olav Dale and trumpet player Per Jørgensen, are influential players on the Scandinavian jazz scene. Odin NJ4002

With the untimely death of guitarist Thorgeir Stubø more than a decade ago, Norway lost one of its most competent and creative jazz musicians. Stubø was an uncompromising professional who detested any hint of commercialism. His long, fluid runs and elegant chordal play revealed a musical mind and soul that were essentially personal and original. Thorgeir recorded two albums on the Odin label, which have been re-released as this double-CD. Odin NJ4001

With the untimely death of guitarist Thorgeir Stubø more than a decade ago, Norway lost one of its most competent and creative jazz musicians. Stubø was an uncompromising professional who detested any hint of commercialism. His long, fluid runs and elegant chordal play revealed a musical mind and soul that were essentially personal and original. Thorgeir recorded two albums on the Odin label, which have been re-released as this double-CD. Odin NJ4001