Music
13 May 03

Jaga Jazzist

aga Jazzist are undertaking the task of creating ultra modern, digitised music fused with jazz and, in smaller increments, latin, upbeat lounge and drum’n’bass.

Just how is it that this new breed of Scandinavian musicians consistently master the art of being talented, good-looking, and innately cool? Jaga Jazzist are undertaking the task of creating ultra modern, digitised music fused with jazz and, in smaller increments, latin, upbeat lounge and drum’n’bass.

This 10-piece look like a tight unit, and manage to achieve a symbiotic feel, even though each member seems be on their own buzz. Together they create a perfect permutation of modern beats and wind instruments (tuba, trombone, trumpet, flute, saxaphone) where every sound is in its right place.

Where some Norweigan bands like Kings Of Convenience and Royksopp, adopt a glacial approach to music which exudes the almost-alpine freshness of their homeland, the songs of Jaga Jazzist are more suited to a smoky downtown Manhattan bar, where regulars sit with a Cosmopolitan in one hand, Cuban cigar in the other. In the next century, perhaps.

With their new album The Stix being released soon on Ninja Tune, anticipate – yearn – to hear a lot more about these jazzy bastards.