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Sverre Sæbø Quintet, consisting of some of Vestland's most interesting young improvisational voices, has in recent years become an increasingly well-known name within the country's jazz scene. Through concerts at Nattjazz, Oslojazz, Bergen Jazzforum and more they laid a strong foundation for the their debut album If, however, you have not lost your self control which was released on the label Sauajazz 25th of april 2025.
The music is a lively mix of Sæbø's musical references, with clear nods to jazz history and especially names like Don Cherry/Gato Barbieri, but with a contemporary twist towards a more modern Nordic jazz expression. The compositions carry a sense of underlying intention that is elevated to new heights by the musicians sculpting rhythmic ostinatos and melodic phrases into their personal expressions with incredible will and a healthy dose of humor.
The music was composed with the driving idea that it should be played by these exact musicians and within frameworks that would allow them to stretch and pull the material in such a way that the quintet together shapes the music into a common focal point that everyone can use as a springboard for improvisation. By always focusing on listening, interaction, and musical presence, the compositions sound fresh and playful night after night, with a fundamental ethos that what happens in the moment is more important than the sheet music.
Heidi Kvelvane - Alto saxophone
Aksel Røed - Tenor saxophone
Andreas H. Hatzikiriakidis - Trumpet
Sverre S. Sæbø - Double bass, compositions
Amund Nordstrøm - Drums
If, however, you have not lost your self control
If, however, you have not lost your self control
On April 25th the quintet released their debut album on Sheep Chase Records' imprint Sauajazz. The album received critical acclaim in both Norway and Europes jazz media, with quotes like where youthful exuberance meets thoughtful composition and brimming with great interplay.
To celebrate the relase the quintet has this year toured around norway with gigs Kongsberg jazzfestival, Soddjazz and more.
The album's title, "If, however, you have not lost your self control," is an excerpt from the correspondence between Khrushchev and Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960s, where they both acknowledge that they are now on the brink of humanity's annihilation and must step back from the abyss they have created. This same feeling that a continuing in the same direction or a small misstep can lead to violent escalation is just as relevant, if not even more, as it was 60 years ago.
The music moves between expectantly rising passages, humorous twists and sudden, yet often cheerful outbursts. - Uwe Schneider, African Paper
Sæbø's quintet also occasionally balances on a kind of knife-edge, which creates tension and energy, especially in the music's most intense twists and turns. But those steering the ship are also a composed crew, who demonstrate intelligence and understanding of when it is appropriate to push further or to take a step back. - Chris Monsen, Klassekampen
from the exuberant choral introduction of "Buffalo Jump," with the wind instruments juggling short but effective solos over a deadly groove, to the ballad "SleepMarching", almost a tribute to the golden age of cool jazz. - Roberto Mandolini
Proppfullt av godt samspill, Sæbøs hyppige spionjazzbass, og enkelte partier der det var umulig å ikke tenke på Atomic. Dette er et ferskt band som mange jazzfans vil ha glede av å se – Audun Vinger, Jazzinorge
An excellent debut album from a band that must not end with this release. - Jan Granlie, Salt Peanuts*
It captures a moment where youthful exuberance meets thoughtful composition, offering listeners a journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. - Vito Camaretta, ChainDLK.com
the quintet sounds like a brilliant, energetic working band, relying on strong individual voices, enjoying generous degrees of freedom – Eyal Hareuveni, Salt Peanuts*
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