Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra

The commissioned piece, «If you listen carefully, the music is yours» is thoughtfully made with Moldejazz and this concert in mind. It world premieres Friday 19 July, and we hear rumours of keywords such as improvisation, energy freedom, groove, carelessness, spite, dynamics and the sheer joy of playing.

Nilssen is not keen to be defined, but if one's to mention the jazz-heroes of the 60s, like Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Wayne Shorter and Pharoah Sanders – they all mean a lot to him. He's also both immensely fascinated and inspired by the bigger ensembles of Alexander Von Schlippenbach, Chris McGregor, Duke Ellington, Fela Kuti and Art Ensemble of Chicago, which one could only speculate are hinting to the direction this might take.

In a crew with no chord-instruments, we find an impressing three drummers, three double bass-players and 10 wind- and brass instruments. Check out this string of strong, international names that's sure to take the breath away for anyone paying attention to today's jazz scene.

Only one thing's for certain – when Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra's taking the stage Friday night at this year's Moldejazz, it's sure to be a thrill and one of the greatest musical events of the year.

Håkon Mjåset Johansen - drums (NO) / Hans Hulbækmo - drums (NO) / Gard Nilssen - drums (NO) / Petter Eldh - double bass (SE) / Ole Morten Vågan - double bass (NO) / Ingebrigt Håker Flaten - double bass (NO) / Eirik Hegdal - saxophones (NO) / Per «Texas» Johansson - saxophones (SE) / Kjetil Møster - saxophones (NO) / Hanna Paulsberg - saxophones (NO) / Mette Rasmussen - saxophone (DK) / Maciej Obara - saxophone (PL) / Thomas Johansson - trumpet (NO) / Goran Kajfes - trumpet (SE) / Erik Johannessen - trombone (NO).

Ingrid Skanke Høsøien - lighting design / Tor Breivik - sound design.