Fredrik Ljungkvist (reeds)
Magnus Broo (trumpet)
Håvard Wiik (piano)
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (bass)
Paal Nilssen-Love (drums)

Atomic was established in 2000 and already after their first two studio albums Feet Music (2002) and Boom Boom (2003), both their growing audience and music reviewers alike began to perceive them as an original flavor with an entirely individual energy that few Scandinavian jazz groups could match. Even though initially thought of as a sort of rebellion to the quaintness of the "Scandinavian Sound" which had become exemplified by Norwegian artists on labels such as ECM, Atomic found themselves becoming a new sort of unique sound on their own. An explosive blend of American free-jazz with European characteristics is how some reviewers have described them. Or better yet, "part academic lecture, part a fun night out on the town" is how the band describes themselves and is what makes their sound truly Atomic.

While they make no secret of their admiration for leading American jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Archie Shepp, Charles Mingus and George Russell just to mention a few, the music of Atomic is also mixed with an equal love of European free jazz and improvised music. They regard the American and European jazz traditions as an inspiration rather than a restriction, as a springboard to set their own direction and position within jazz music.

No strangers to the touring circuit, Atomic were on the road almost as soon as they were formed, shaping and refining their sound, and they have toured in Europe, Scandinavia, US and Japan a several times.

With they latest release "Retrograde", Atomic successfully returns yet again with a resounding successful album, and further sets the path for future conquests for those who like their jazz with both content and a sense of exhilaration.

PRESS:

"... if the Miles Davis Quintet with Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter And Herbie Hancock could have rocked, they would have been the brilliant and ass kicking Atomic." — Lloyd Peterson/All About Jazz

"Despite the fact that they remain largely unknown on this side of the Atlantic, with every new album the Swedish-Norwegian quintet Atomic further strengthens its claim to be one of the worlds greatest jazz outfits" — Downbeat - January 2009

"On Retrograde this scandinavian quintet opts for a set of compositions much looser than its usual repertoire. The musicians' intuitive rapport and high-level communication skills allow them to transform even the sketchiest melodic or rhythmic structures into gripping narratives—they nail this new paradigm with all the gusto and daring they brought to their old freebop-based approach." — Peter Margasak/Chicago Reader - December 2008

www.myspace.com/atomicjazz
www.jazzlandrec.com
www.atomicjazz.com

Some publications related to this event:
March, 2010 - 2010