Biography
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Years Active
1973 – present (52 years)
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Members
- Einar Aarø (1973 – present)
- Jens Arne Molvær (1973 – 1973)
Ytre Suløens Jass-ensemble
I It was in the year 1973, that six musicans from the small island Sula by the northwest coast of Norway came together to form a jazzband. This was the start of Ytre Suloens Jass.ensemble.The intention was to play for own pleasure – and maybe also for the neighbourhood. From the very start was New Orleans Jazz the inspiration, and through all the years gone, it still is the foundation in the band`s musical style.
But, a certain lack of respect for ”tradition” in the meaning of copying, together with a strong will of experimenting and breaking borders, created from early on a very distinctive sound – at least in Norway recognized as ”The Suloen Sound”. A lucky blend of older, experienced musicans and young, fearless talents has also followed the band since the start, and certainly that has made it`s impact on the peculiar and energetic playing style.
In the first 15 years the band kept the same members as from the start, including in 1988 pianist Morten Gunnar Larsen. Then some years followed with some changes in the crew, until 1992, when the now existing band were established. Three of the original members are still in the band: Drummer Ottar Anderson, banjoist/guitarist Einar Aarø, and Jens Arne Molvær - clarinet/saxophones.
The other members are: Kåre Nymark jr. - trumpet, Jan Inge Melsæter - trombone. Askjell Molvær -piano, and David Gald - tuba.
As early as in 1976 the band was invited to play at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, after playing with New Orleans trumpeter Wallace Davenport at Molde Jazz Festival the year before. This was a rather peculiar event at that time, as this jazz band from a small island by the outskirts of Norway actually was the first Norwegian jazz band ever to appear on the program in an American Jazz Festival.
Since then, many tours to USA and New Orleans has been made, as well as other places on the globe - Africa (Tanzania), India, many European countries – of course included our neighbours Sweden, Denmark and Finland has experienced the ”Ytre Suloen Sound”
But, the most of Ytre Suloen`s music has of course been heard by a huge audience in Norway. The band cooperates often with local choirs and orchestras all around the country, often together with famous soloists from Norway or USA. Many ”New Orleanians” is on that list - Tricia Boutte, Dr. Michael White, Olivia Cooper, ”Gospel Children of New Orleans”, Barbara Ann Shorts, Aline White, Olivia ”Lady Charlot” Cook, ”Uncle Lionel” Batiste – the band has grown a deep and emotional love for all this artists – and many more.
Much of Ytre Suloen`s work for many years has concetrated on the young generation, teaching them to play New Orleans street parade-music by the heart. Among the results of this, is the swell youth parade bands marching the streets of Molde and Oslo during the summer jazz festivals there.
Ytre Suloens Jass-ensemble has made about 20 records during the years, the first one as early as in 1974.
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