ØKSE

Freshly sharpened ØKSE | Oslojazz 2024

ØKSE emerged when saxophonist Mette Rasmussen and drummer Savannah Harris were asked to put together a new band for the Saalfelden Jazz Festival in 2022. Bassist Petter Eldh and electronic sound improviser Val Jeanty were recruited, and the project has since developed into a tightly knit and ideationally rich collective. A freshly sharpened band that has delivered acclaimed concerts, including at the All Ears festival at MUNCH in 2023.

ØKSE is the Danish word for axe, which carries many connotations. The axe is one of humanity's oldest tools, a powerful and loyal instrument. "Axe" is also linked to "ashe" - a term derived from Yoruba philosophy about the life force that exists in everything around us. It's what makes things happen and creates change in all things, not least in music. It may seem a bit abstract, but at the same time, it's a quite precise definition of ØKSE's music: Powerful, fluid, and constantly searching.

The quartet has brought their spontaneous creativity into the studio, and the debut album will be released during the year. Get ready for a fully charged ØKSE at BLÅ!

Mette Rasmussen – saxophone, Val Jeanty – sound chemist, Petter Eldh – bass, Savannah Harris - drums

Concert starts: 22.00

Doors: 21.00

Photo: Žiga Koritnik