Released March 25, 2022
In 2022, the BLISS Quintet release their long-awaited and eagerly anticipated debut album "Dramaqueen" on Jazzland Recordings. The brand new album has a rich range of colors and expressions, where the music is rhythmically pulsating with sonorous and melodic touches. "Dramaqueen" derives its unique character from its tones and musical choices through the use of microtonality, strong riffs and honest solos.
The BLISS Quintet has a unique instrumental line-up with instruments such as a quarter-toned trumpet and acoustic fretless bass guitar. These elements play a key role in embuing "Dramaqueen" with a unique musicality, defamiliarising without dominating the sound. Their performances allow all the musicians contribute with intricate compositions and personal touches.
Credits - Dramaqueen
Dramaqueen (live) - Oscar Andreas Haug
Jamvekstmoll - Oscar Andreas Haug
Det finnes kråker nok - Zakarias Meyer Øverli
When in Michelbach - Oscar Andreas Haug
Bass Intro - Gard Kronborg
Bodas De Prata - Egberto Gismonti and Geraldo Carneiro
Blissin’ - Rino Sivathas
Track 1, recorded by Tor Breivik at Dokkhuset 4. June 2021
Tracks 2-7, recorded by Kyrre Laastad in Øra Studio 7. and 8. June 2021 Mixed and mastered by Karl Klaseie at Øra Mastering
Arrangement on Bodas De Prata by Gard Kronborg
Photos by Joakim Lambek
Oscar Andreas Haug – trumpet
Zakarias Meyer Øverli – saxophone
Benjamín Gísli Einarsson – piano
Gard Kronborg – bass
Rino Sivathas – drums
“A good blend of melody and carefree wildness.” - Rob Adams (UK)
”Voted as top 2 best jazz records of the year in Norway’s Ballade”. (NO)
- “Bliss Quintet is populated by five of Norway’s most promising jazz musicians. Their debut album confirms it in every way.” Tor Hammerø, NETTAVISEN (NO)
“A fierce improvising group that held my attention throughout.” Peter Slavid, London Jazz News (UK)
“This is already one of the best records this year, I’m so excited for this.” - Torkjell Hovland, JAZZNYTT (NO)
“Here’s yet another impressive-sounding young Norwegian band for the future” Selwyn Harris, Jazzwise (UK)
“Bliss Quintet is populated by five of Norway’s most promising jazz musicians. Their debut album confirms it in every way.” Tor Hammerø, Nettavisen
“The fact that Bugge Wesseltoft and Sten Nielsen at Jazzland Records have taken hold of the band and had the debut album released indicates that the company really has a nose for the young jazz scene and knows how to strike while the iron is hot, because this is a quintet that will be able to put its mark on parts of Norwegian and international jazz life for many years.” - Jan Granlie, SALT PEANUTS (NO)
“The compositions are at times tearfully beautiful and at other times anxiously dramatic. Contrasting, exciting and not least impressive ... especially considering how young these musicians are”. - Trygve Knudsen, Canal Street (NO)
-”This is an intriguing and extremely interesting debut. Bliss Quintet confirms its reputation gained during concerts. It's worth getting acquainted with the album and to follow the band's further activities.” - Jako Pierwsza, Donos Kulturalny (POL)
-”Melodic and microtonal searching, Bliss Quintet cruises its way through all the precarious blind spots of the debut. The composed and the improvised meet each other in a captivating whole.” … “The quintet plays sympathetically and with empathy. Dramaque or not, the music has personality without pushing the listener away with excessive effort.” - Timo Kangas, Lira Musikmagasin (SWE)