DESCRIPTION:
20 years ago, the first Jazzland release, Bugge Wesseltoft's "New Conception of Jazz", encapsulated the label's raison d'être: innovation, invention, and redefinition. Initially formed for the release of Wesseltoft's material, the label quickly grew, with a roster of young musicians determined to make their mark. Even a cursory glance at the Jazzland catalogue indicates the label's growth and influence, featuring Eivind Aarset, Sidsel Endresen, Beady Belle, Håkon Kornstad and countless others. Additionally, almost every key musician from the Norwegian jazz scene has contributed, from Terje Rydal to Nils Petter Molvær, from Jon Eberson to Christian Wallumrød. New combinations of sounds and techniques have ensured that the output has remained tantalisingly fresh, whether blending electronics with traditional jazz and blues, reinventing soul and funk, travelling through world music, experimenting with ambient and rock music, or even blending jazz and classical opera – Jazzland has never laid down rigid territorial boundaries, and has made it clear that any "rule book" is not to be trusted. Even national boundaries have been disregarded, with albums from Rob Van De Wouw (Netherlands), Javid Afsari Rad (Iran) and Dhafer Youssef (Tunisia). Always evolving, never static, and providing accessible in-roads to contemporary improvisation, Jazzland Recordings continues its journey through its twentieth year and beyond with as much vigour and determination as when it began.