NOCZ: Norwegian-Czech jazz quartet at Spice of Life

The popular Norwegian-Czech free jazz quarter NOCZ is coming to London to perform at the popular Spice of Life on 22nd October. Presenting energetic musicianship and a distinctive dynamism mixing strictly scored passages and freer ones with expressive melodies, the ensemble's emphasis is on rhythm and collective improvisation.

"Nocz Quartet is, I believe, a brilliant piece of jazz"
Pomoderna, 2014/1 (Łukasz Łoziński)

"The compositions mix muscular, rhythmic free jazz with sonic experimental sonic elements, spiced with Balkan and Klezmer overtones, alternating between tight, orchestrated parts and fiery free improvisations."
All About Jazz, 2013/9 (Eyal Hareuveni)

"Didrik Ingvaldsen is a fabulous trumpeter who sounds like a cross between Don Cherry and Don Ellis.”
Steve Loewy, All Music Guide

NOCZ is a Norwegian/Czech free jazz band combining modern trends in experimental jazz with classic free jazz approaches in a traditional lineup: trumpet, saxophone, double bass and drums. The quartet is led by Norwegian trumpeter and composer Didrik Ingvaldsen who switches between experimental jazz scenes in Norway, Berlin and New York, and Czech reedman Radim Hanousek, complemented by Norwegian drummer Dag Magnus Narvesen, known for his collaborations with the star of the jazz avantgarde Alexander Von Schlippenbach, and bassist Marian Friedl. NOCZ presents energetic musicianship and a distinctive dynamism mixing strictly scored passages and freer ones with expressive melodies, an emphasis on rhythm and collective improvisation.