Sakte, fallende Named Young Jazz Musicians of the Year 2026

At Moldejazz on Tuesday 14 July, Sakte, fallende were named Young Jazz Musicians of the Year 2026. “The band delivered a cohesive set with remarkable variety and a distinctive sound,” the jury stated. In addition to the prestigious title, the band receives a launch package from the Norwegian Jazz Forum, including an extensive festival tour next year and a tailored professional development programme.

The Jazzintro final proved to be a thrilling contest, with Idiotek, Unmothered, Wilhelm III and Sakte, fallende competing for the title during Moldejazz on Tuesday. The jury described the decision as a difficult one:
“The standard has been exceptionally high, and the four finalists represent an artistic breadth that reflects the diversity of Norwegian jazz. All of the bands have shown significant development since the preliminary rounds, and we are certain we will be hearing much more from every one of them in the years to come. The future is bright!”

The award was presented by Gry Bråtømyr, Managing Director of the Norwegian Jazz Forum, less than an hour after the final performance.

The musicians were delighted with the result.

“This is incredibly exciting. Eleven years ago I was here as a volunteer, and I watched Jazzintro thinking it was absolutely brilliant. So standing here now feels quite surreal. We'd like to thank everyone for a fantastic week. We create a new set for every concert, and we were saying earlier today that this has probably been our best week yet. It just keeps getting better,” said guitarist Martin Borge as the prize was awarded.

Alongside Borge, Sakte, fallende consists of Sune Dommersnes (guitar), Erlend Markhus (double bass) and Herman Kirkenær Krogh (drums).

The jury commented:
“This year's Jazzintro winners delivered a complete and compelling set, full of variety and with a highly distinctive sound. They perform with almost telepathic interplay and possess a striking musical identity. The musicians demonstrate maturity, a willingness to take artistic risks, and impressive collective strength. Their music reflects a genuinely curious group of artists with surprising and original ideas.”

The jury comprised saxophonist Signe Emmeluth, bassist Ola Høyer, trumpeter Didrik Ingvaldsen, and drummer Siv Øyunn Kjenstad. Bendik Kjørholt, Head of Professional Development at the Norwegian Jazz Forum, served as jury secretary.

Festival Tour and Professional Development Programme

Jazzintro is organised by the Norwegian Jazz Forum in collaboration with several of Norway's leading jazz clubs and festivals, Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, and Talent Norge.

In addition to the title, the Young Jazz Musicians of the Year 2026 will receive a major festival tour in 2027, together with a bespoke professional development programme organised by the Norwegian Jazz Forum. Developed in close collaboration with the musicians themselves, the programme is tailored to their ambitions and needs, offering guidance on life as professional musicians through artistic development, communication training and networking opportunities.

The Road to the Final

Throughout the winter and spring, eight selected bands—chosen from 62 applicants—performed in four preliminary rounds at some of Norway's leading jazz clubs. The jury, made up of prominent Norwegian jazz musicians, selected one band from each round to advance to the final at Moldejazz.

The preliminary rounds took place at Stavanger Jazzforum, Inderøy Jazzforum, Bergen Jazzforum, and Ad Lib Jazz Club in Bodø. Alongside the finalists, Ingeborg Sollid Kvartett, Spekkhogger, Madmax, and Blister Pearl also performed.

About Jazzintro

Since its launch in 1998, Jazzintro has been Norway's leading showcase and development programme for emerging professional jazz musicians. For artists at the beginning of their professional careers, the opportunity to perform for audiences and industry professionals across the country is invaluable.

Many of Norway's most celebrated jazz musicians began their careers through Jazzintro, including Mathias Eick, Anja Lauvdal, Gard Nilssen, Marius Neset, Hanna Paulsberg, and Veslemøy Narvesen.

About the Norwegian Jazz Forum

The Norwegian Jazz Forum is Norway's national membership and advocacy organisation for the jazz community. It works to strengthen the artistic and cultural position of jazz and represents the country's jazz festivals, jazz clubs, big bands, professional musicians, jazz students, regional jazz centres and higher jazz education institutions.