Wako

Coming from the vanguard of the New Wave of Nordic Jazz, Wako are one of the most dynamic and innovative groups on the scene. Touring extensively since 2015, they have honed their stagecraft and performances, garnering a solid fanbase and critical acclaim along the way. Described as having "buoyancy and originality" by Terje Mosnes (Jazz i Norge, NO), as possessing "a very personal and distinctive sound" (Mike Collin, London Jazz News, UK), and as creating music that "would melt even the blackest heart" (Bird is the Worm, USA), Wako have brought their ever-evolving musicianship and creativity to impressive live renditions of their work across Europe, including collaborative performances with Oslo Strings and with Norwegian trumpeter ne plus ultra, Arve Henriksen.

With six albums and hundreds of live performances under their belt, Wako plays with an authority and personality that places them at the forefront of Nordic jazz.

Siril Malmedal Hauge's Jazzland debut, "Uncharted Territory" is a perfect blend of pop energy and accessibility with jazz, rock, Americana and singer-songwriter sensibilities, bursting with melodic freshness. Featuring Siril's beautiful, clear and expressive voice, the songs balance commercial exuberance with intelligence, both musically and lyrically. Themes both weighty and feather-light are given the appropriate treatments and settings. The moods are many, with variations of light and shade, but a sense of positivity glistens from every song. The instrumentation is broadly that of a classic rock ensemble, with relaxed but skilful playing and an old-school vibe to the recording process that eliminates the digitally quantized dehumanizing aspects of so many releases this past number of years. Consequently, the resulting album is an organic musical entity, with every song, every phrase, and every note as alive as it should be.

A global account of pirates and their modus operandi from the middle ages to the present day