Jazzintro final

The five musicians of Unmothered combine elements of metal, progressive rock, and art rock with free jazz, improvisation, and contemporary music. Based in Trondheim, the band was formed in 2024 as trumpeter Tuva Olsson’s bachelor project at the NTNU Jazz Program and has since evolved into a distinctive ensemble operating at the intersection of composed and improvised music. Their sound moves between heavy riffs, improvised text, and free-form passages, creating an expression that is both uncompromising and accessible.

Unmothered advanced from the Stavanger Jazz Forum round on February 11, competing against Ingeborg Sollid Quartet.

Line-up:
Tuva Olsson (Oslo) – trumpet, compositions, Siv Aurlund (Lillehammer) – vocals, Odin Fiskvik (Trondheim) – guitar, Bendik Lundsvoll (Gjerdrum) – double bass, Moog, Øyvind Leite (Trondheim) – drums

Wilhelm III brings together three adventurous jazz musicians based in Trondheim and Molde. Rooted in the timeless swing tradition, the trio stretches the boundaries of sound through energetic interplay, spontaneity, and playfulness. Their original music draws inspiration from American bebop and free jazz traditions of the mid-20th century, while also incorporating influences from Viennese classical music and contemporary impulses. Through satirical compositions and a strong visual identity, Wilhelm III invites listeners into a universe shaped by hope, humor, and surrealism.

Wilhelm III advanced from the Inderøy Jazz Forum round on March 12, competing against Spekkhogger.

Line-up:
Isak Hungnes (Molde) – piano, Johannes Lykkås (Trondheim) – double bass, Erik Wie Flaig (Asker) – drums

Sakte, fallende performs raw, unpolished guitar music in all its glory, moving freely between noise, no wave, synth-pop, post-rock, and americana. The musicians playfully reference artists and influences such as Nels Cline, Arthur Russell, Deerhoof, Japan, Himmelfarten, and Derek Bailey, weaving everything together into a balanced and driving soundscape. Over the past year, the band has performed extensively throughout Norway, always introducing new material and never sounding predictable.

Sakte, fallende advanced from Bergen Jazz Forum on March 18, competing against Madmax.

Line-up:
Sune Dommersnes (Bergen) – guitar, Martin Borge (Lørenskog) – guitar, Erlend Markhus (Oslo) – double bass, Herman Kirkenær Krogh (Bærum) – drums

Idiotek is a trio whose compositions draw inspiration from the sounds and ideas of serialism, reimagined through a jazz lens. Energetic and hypnotic, the band explores a broad rhythmic and harmonic palette, focusing on improvisation derived from intricate compositional structures. Their name plays on the words idio (personal) and tek (hiding place), reflecting the artistic intention behind their music.

Idiotek advanced from Ad Lib Jazz Club in Bodø on April 8, competing against Blister Pearl.

Line-up:
Johannes Elnan (Nesodden) – bass, Trym Saugstad Karlsen (Skotbu) – drums, Kristian Enkerud Lien – guitar

This is a seated concert.
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Since 1998, Jazzintro has served as one of Norway’s most important launch platforms for emerging jazz talent. Many of today’s leading Norwegian jazz musicians participated in Jazzintro early in their careers, including Mathias Eick, Anja Lauvdal, Gard Nilssen, Marius Neset, Hanna Paulsberg, Eyolf Dale, André Roligheten, Morten Qvenild, Veslemøy Narvesen, and Liv Andrea Hauge.

The four preliminary rounds take place during winter and spring at some of Norway’s most influential jazz club venues. One band from each round advances to the final at Moldejazz in July. In addition to the title of Young Jazz Musicians of the Year 2026, the winning band will receive a festival tour and a tailored mentorship program.

Jazzintro is organized by the Norwegian Jazz Forum in collaboration with some of the country’s most prominent jazz clubs and festivals. As Young Jazz Musicians of the Year 2026, the winning band will embark on a major festival tour in 2027.

The Norwegian Jazz Forum also provides a customized mentorship package for the winners. Developed in close dialogue with the musicians, the program may include meetings with key industry professionals, networking opportunities, career development guidance, and artistic mentoring designed to support the transition into professional life as a musician.

The 2026 jury consists of:
Signe Emmeluth – saxophone, Ola Høyer – bass, Didrik Ingvaldsen – trumpet, Siv Øyunn Kjenstad – drums.
Bendik Kjørholt, Head of Professional Affairs at the Norwegian Jazz Forum, serves as jury secretary.