أحمد [Ahmed]

Thrilling music | Oslojazz 2025

The European supergroup [Ahmed] is rooted in the music of American bassist, oud player, and composer Ahmed Abdul-Malik, who released a strong series of albums in the 1950s and 60s. Abdul-Malik’s music was deeply inspired by various musical styles from the Middle East and North Africa, and it is this music that [Ahmed] has chosen to dive into, deconstruct, and further explore into new forms of expression.

For example, on the band’s live album Wood Blues from 2024, they base their performance on Abdul-Malik’s composition Oud Blues, which lasts four minutes. [Ahmed] twists and turns the piece, whipping up a magical hour-long storm out of the original structure. Simply put, it’s great improvisational art.

[Ahmed] has, with good reason, earned a reputation as an incredibly intense and all-consuming live band. For instance, they delivered a fantastic concert when they made their Norwegian debut at Victoria during the Motvind Festival in 2023. It is therefore a great pleasure to welcome them back to the same venue, for yet another electrifying encounter with one of the finest bands on the jazz map.

Seymour Wright – saxophone, Pat Thomas – piano, Joel Grip – bass, Antonin Gerbal – drums

Concert starts: 21.00
Doors: 20.00

Photo: Lisa Grip