"Norwegian saxophonist, improviser and composer.

André was born in Skien, Norway in 1985. He started playing the saxophone at the age of 8 and early on became interested in improvised music. Roligheten has studied to Bachelor at the Jazz Academy at NTNU in Trondheim, with teachers and mentors like John Pål Inderberg and Erling Aksdal. Now he recently finished his Masters degree in improvised music at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

One of Rolighetens main projects is the duo "Albatrosh". After winning the prestigious Norwegian "JazzIntro" award in 2008, "Young Jazz Musicians of the year", Albatrosh has had busy years. In 2009 they released their critically acclaimed debut album, "Seagull Island" (InnerEar), as the cohesive press celebrated with solid rolls of the dice, and by the big Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet described as "perhaps the most exciting release in Norwegian elite jazz in many years". And John Kelman from All about jazz: "Roligheten and Dale manage to say much without ever resorting to excess. A fine debut from a duo with a bright future, Seagull Island doesn't just suggest great promise; it delivers on it as well." In 2010 they released their second album "Mystery Orchestra with Grenager & Tafjord", featuring cellist Lene Grenager and horn player Hild Sofie Tafjord. This album received great reviews as well, and the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen ranked it to be the best Norwegian jazz record of 2010. At North Sea jazz 2009 they took part in the European Jazz Competition, and won the prestigious 1st prize "Best Band". Jury chairman, Maria Schneider said: "Most original, great interplay and amazing improvisation, effective and colorful compositions paired to amazing improvisation." This meant radio play across Europe as well as a dedicated concert at North Sea Jazz 2010.

During "Young Nordic Jazz Comets 2008", the jury awarded Roligheten with the Soloist Prize "because of his virtuous technique and his dynamic play. Especially his technique combined with the ability to improvise in very tight arrangements made the choice. He is disciplined - in control - and plays with an impressive rhythmic and melodic combination. He is a young talent!"In 2009 André went on a Europe tour with European Jazz Orchestra conducted by Peter Herbolzheimer, where he played with some great fellow musicians from 20 countries all over Europe.

Some of Rolighetens other current projects are "Team Hegdal", fellow saxophonist Eirik Hegdals new quartet (Hegdal, known from a.o. Trondheim Jazz Orchestra with Joshua Redman). Terje Mosnes wrote in the Norwegian Newspaper Dagbladet about the first record: "..sparkling solos and swinging hard drive, and two saxophonists that ardent each other to the most "harmolodical" deeds I can ever recall hearing from Norwegian musicians."The record ("Volume 1") was also awarded this year's record of 2010 by the Norwegian magazine Jazznytt.

André is also playing with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra (TJO). At Molde Jazzfestival 2010, he played with TJO ́s project with Ståle Storløkken (Super Silent) and the legendary Norwegian rock group Motorpsycho.

Roligheten has also played and worked with musicians like: Andrew D ́angelo, Theo Bleckman, Django Bates, John Edwards, Paul Lovens, Axel Dörner, Robin Hayward, Raymond Strid, Bugge Wesseltoft, Mathias Eick, Ola Kvernberg, Paal Nilssen-Love, Per Zanussi

André have played on festivals like Molde Jazzfestival, Kongsberg Jazzfestival, Oslo Jazzfestival, Norh Sea Jazz, Münster Jazz, Süd Tyrol Jazz, 12 Points, Dølajazz, Nattjazz, Jazzfest, Maijazz, Soddjazz, Vossajazz. And done several tours in Scandinavia, Germany, Poland, Czech, Slovenia, France, Italy, China and USA."

"Frans Petter Eldh, Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, was obsessed with Jazz, Classical, Soul, Reggae, Swedish folk music, Middle-Eastern and Hip Hop at an early age and collected vinyl since the age of 7. He initially played guitar before switching to what became his primary instrument, the double bass. Early influences, Charles Mingus, Anders Jormin, Charlie Haden, Charlie Parker, A Tribe Called Quest, Monica Zetterlund, Samla Mammas Manna, Aretha Franklin and Earth Wind and Fire have guided his diverse output as a musician.

Long-standing collaborations include the following erratic and progressive forces:Amok Amor, Django Bates Beloved, Jameszoo Quartet, Enemy (Kit Downes/James Maddren), Lucia Cadotsch Speak Low, Hayden Chisholm, Gard Nilssen's Acoustic Unity, Peter Bruun, Christian Lillinger, Benoit Delbecq and Kaja Draksler. As a producer he has remixed work by Jameszoo - Flake (Brainfeeder), Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra - Vula (Afterhours), Speak Low (Enja) and releases his own music on Galatea Records.

Selected releases in 2017 include Django Bates Beloved - The Study of Touch (ECM), Amok Amor - We Know Not What We Do (Intakt), Susanne Sundfør - Music For People In Trouble (Bella Union), Richard Spaven - The Self, Lucia Cadotsch Speak Low - Renditions (Enja), Gard Nilssen's Acoustic Unity - Live in Europe (Clean Feed)"

"Gard Nilssen (born 24 June 1983 in Skien, Norway) is a Norwegian Jazz musician (drums) and composer, and member of the bands Bushman's Revenge and Puma.

Nilssen was educated on the Jazz program at Trondheim Musikkonservatorium (2003). He was voted this year's young jazz musicians in 2006 with the group Puma. Otherwise Nilssen is very active in bands like Bushman´s Revenge, Lord Kelvin, and Heidi Skjerve Kvintett.

Nilssen was chosen to represent Norway in the artist development program Take Five, a music developer program promoted by the London-based concert promoter Serious."