Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær is one of the most important innovators within the European jazz scene. Through his striking trumpet sound, he explores the boundaries between acoustic jazz improvisation, electronics, lyrical melodies and undulating rhythms. His refined playing echoes the lyrical, subdued trumpet of Miles Davis on the one hand, and the trance-like haze that defines Jon Hassel’s sound on the other. He managed to cement his pioneer status early on through his debut album KHMER, which was released in 1998, and featured fiery trumpet solos, heavy beats and pounding grooves. As a special gesture for the 50th edition of the festival, Molvær looks back on KHMER. Together with a new expanded lineup, he infuses fresh energy into the album’s material with deeper grooves, sharpened edges and greater dynamic intensity. This adds a rawer dimension to the music, driven by experience and creative vision, where once again, Molvær shows his drive for growth, experimentation and challenges.
