Fans of both the more Extreme end of Metal as well as fans of more Progressive genres are well versed in the eclectic output of Norwegian labels Dark Essence Records for the former, and Karisma Records for the latter – labels known not only for their rosters of iconic, long-established and world-renowned band, as well some of the most interestng newcomers to emerge on their respective scenes.
It shouldn’t therefore come as too much of a surprise that the eclectic band of people who have created the two labels, some of whom are professional musicians and producers, and some of whom have been working in the industry for many years now, should decide to expand further into territory that fits in with their ethos, and their personal musical interests. As they explain:
“All you need to do is look at our catalogue of releases from both labels, and it’s pretty evident that those of us behind Karisma and Dark Essence Records have always been interested in different musical styles and genres.
One of those interests, in which we do dabble extensively, is the more progressive and experimental kind of music, music that leads us naturally to enjoying a lot of Jazz as well. And that’s why we are now launching a new sub-label simply called IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS.
We’re sure that some of you are asking why the name of the label is actually a question. Well, there is an awful lot of music around these days that is labelled Jazz, so much so, in fact, that even within the Jazz scene there are constant discussions on what is Jazz and what isn’t. So we thought that we would really llke to release bands and artists that we feel represents Jazz to us, and this could encompass a whole lot of areas. It could be the exponents of classical jazz, or the really experimental artists, the soft singer/songwriters, or the hard rocking proggers.
There’s a whole lot of Jazz out there and we hope you will come along with us for the ride and enjoy our Jazz discoveries – and let’s see if you think it’s Jazz or not!“
More information about Is it Jazz? Records can be found at the following:
Is it Jazz? Records |Official Website|Facebook Page|Instagram|
FIRST RELEASES ON IS IT JAZZ?
With every intention of hitting the ground running Is it Jazz? Records plan to release the debut albums from their two new signings around summer time. First up will be an album from the quartet Soft FFog, whose experienced musicians are well known on the Norwegian Jazz scene.
Ever wonder what it would sound like if Jimi Hendrix joined Deep Purple pursuing to sound like Gentle Giant, and then failing miserably because of too much Jazz consumption lately? Didn’t think so, but anyhow Soft Ffog´s sound is unique, and draws parallels to the aforementioned acts in somewhat style, compostitions and astetic, but is more rooted in Jazz with their prolonged solos and improvisations.
The second album will be from Datadyr, a trio of musicians from Bergen, whose four years studying Jazz at the prestigious Grieg Academy, has given them a varied take on things.
The music ranges from the heartfelt and gentle to the energetic and explosive, and it’s rarely far between those extremes.
