Biography
The core of the band are the brothers and the main songwriters, Lars and Martin Horntveth. Martin formed Jaga Jazzist together with Ivar Christian Johansen in 1994 while they still were in their teens, though Johansen later left the group. They are also prominent figures of the Norwegian pop act The National Bank.
Jaga Jazzist nearly created a sensation with their debut album Jævla Jazzist Grete Stitz (1996), that contained playful, humorous jazz with elements of rap. The EP Magazine (1998) had signs of approache to the catchy, cinematic jazz music they later become known for. The very young Lars Horntveth became increasingly involved in composing the music they played.
After the album Magazine the rumor grew about their fresh expressions and energetic live shows, and the band toured extensively before they signed a recording contract with Warner Music in 2000. The highly anticipated debut album, A Livingroom Hush, was released in 2001 and consists of a melodic and energetic mix of lounge jazz, cinematic theme and instrumental rock. The disc producer Jørgen "Sir Duper Man" Træen had an important role during the recording, and he has left its mark on the plate with his crackling electronics. A Livingroom Hush got Alarm Prize in 2002 and the same year was named the year's jazz album of the BBC.
The band features trumpets, trombone, electric guitar, bass, tuba, bass clarinets, Fender Rhodes, vibraphone and a rack of electronics, as well as strong melodies and rhythms. Talk Talk, Soft Machine, John Coltrane, Don Cherry, Aphex Twin, Stereolab, Squarepusher and Tortoise are frequently mentioned as sources of inspiration. Jaga Jazzist is widely considered to be one of the premier acts of the so-called nu-jazz movement of Scandinavia. Also, The Mars Volta cites Jaga Jazzist as one of their favourite bands. Their latest album, One-Armed Bandit, was released on January 25, 2010.
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