Wako

Biography
Articles

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 - Norway), 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. The scope of their musical reach is always finely attuned in equal measures to audience, environment and source material, meaning not only is each concert superlative, but also a unique experience. In short, Wako are one of the most impressive young live acts today, signalling a healthy future for jazz in Norway and beyond. Individually, the members are part of different bands and projects, such as Hegge (Norwegian grammy award winner 2017), Megalodon Collective (Norwegian grammy nominee 2016), Espen Berg trio (NTNU ambassadors 2016), Kjetil Mulelid Trio, Kjemilie, MMO-Ensemble and the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra.

Wako: Wako

by Mark Sullivan
March 30, 2020

Bands will often self-title their debut album, as a kind of calling card to the world at large. But doing so on a fourth album implies a serious coming of age statement: this is really who we are. That is certainly the case here. Its third album, Urolige sinn (Øra Fonogram, 2018), was a blend of composed and improvised music: a collective voice, with a rare concision and focus. This album is entirely self-composed, with the bulk of the tracks ...

Album Review

Wako: Urolige Sinn

Read "Urolige Sinn" reviewed by Mark Sullivan

by Mark Sullivan
December 22, 2018

Wako is a Norwegian jazz collective with a truly collective sound. Saxophonist Martin Myhre Olsen--heard as a leader on MMO Ensemble's Any Day Now (Øra Fonogram, 2018)--and pianist Kjetil Mulelid--leader of the Kjetil Mulelid Trio's Not Nearly Enough To Buy A House (Rune Grammofon, 2017)--each contribute three compositions. But the group identity is equally present on the jointly created tracks that dominate this program, their third album. Opener “Jernvilje" is a brief, atmospheric rubato exercise by the whole ...