Gard Nilssen’s Supersonic Orchestra
Eirik Hegdal saxophones, Per ”Texas” Johansson saxophones, Kjetil Møster saxophones, Hanna Paulsberg saxophone, Mette Rasmussen saxophone, Maciej Obara saxophone, André Roligheten saxophones, Signe Emmeluth Krunderup saxophone
Thomas Johansson trumpet, Goran Kajfes trumpet, Erik Johannessen trombone, Petter Eldh double bass, Ole Morten Vågan double bass, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten double bass, Håkon Mjåset Johansen drums, Hans Hulbækmo drums, Gard Nilssen drums
Supersonic Orchestra is a big band, but not as we know it, with no less than three drummers, three double bassists, and ten horn players, most of them saxophonists. The music travels unknown trajectories as well. Experiment and improvisation are key, without losing sight of melody and groove. Band leader and drummer Gard Nilssen arranged his compositions together with saxophonist André Roligheten. They have previously played together on our stage in Acoustic Unity.
Norwegian drummer Gard Nilssen made name with Puma and Bushman’s Revenge: power trios featuring heavy electric guitars. His acoustic work with Cortex and Acoustic Unity is no less intense and energetic than the music of his other bands. Supersonic Orchestra is his dream group, which he brought together at the invitation of Norwegian festival Moldejazz. The ensemble has evoked comparisons with Sun Ra Arkestra, Charles Mingus’ Jazz Workshop en John Coltrane’s orchestra on the album Africa/Brass.