...SIŁA I PIĘKNO MUZYKI TKWIĄ W JEJ RÓŻNORODNOŚCI


..::OPIS::..

WIZRD: Formed Trondheim, Norway, 2018. Since then based in Oslo.

The band was originally envisioned at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim by bassist and vocalist Hallvard GAARDLØS who enlisted the help of two of his fellow students at the Conservatory to form a band with a view to the trio performing at his graduating exam. The trio played several songs at the exam, including some which eventually ended up on the band's debut album.

Although formed as a guitar/bass/drums three-piece in early 2018, Vegard Lien BJERKAN joined on keys very soon after the band's initial formation, and the completed line-up consisted of four excellent musicians who were already members of other fine bands - such as Norwegian Jazz Fusionists SOFT FFOG, Rock'n'Roll powerhouse SPIDERGAWD, Jazz/Progressive Trio KROKOFANT, Hard Rock and Metal band DRAKEN and the Free Jazz outfit MEGALODON COLLECTIVE.

WIZRD's completed line-up in early 2018 was: Hallvard GAARDLØS (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl BJORÅ (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien BJERKAN (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals and Axel SKALSTAD (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums.

The band eventually began working on their debut album in 2020, and the finished album was produced by Norwegian film score composer and Norwegian Alt-Jazz legends JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin HORNTVETH, whom the various members of WIZRD had known for many years. The album was recorded at Studio Paradiso in Oslo, with HORNTVETH being assisted by Marcus FORSGREN (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST), and the mixing was done by Bergen-based musician and producer Matias TELLEZ (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED).

With a classic Rock line-up of guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals the quartet stylistically follows the traditions of the likes of CREAM, MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, WEATHER REPORT etc. in generating a sense urgency and energy without sacrificing attention to melody and dynamics. The band's intention from the very outset was to mix progressive and improvisational elements with rock & pop sensibilities.

The result was the groovy, catchy and progressive debut album 'Seasons', which was finally released on 21st October 2022 by Karisma Records - home to bands like WOBBLER and SEVEN IMPALE - and showcases how WIZRD are more than happy to test their limits with a sound that encompasses a variety of genres - ranging from Rock and Indie to Jazz and Prog. The album has been described as an exciting mix of guitar driven progressive rock, frenzied organ-fueled Classic Rock, captivating vocal harmonies, and Jazz Fusion excursions - all supported by a superb rhythm section.

Prior to the album's release in October 2022, a single 'Fire & Water' was released by Karisma Records on 29th September, for which band were lucky enough to have James PETRALLI from the band WHITE DENIM guesting on lead vocals. The band's choice of this single is notable for the fact that it's a song which marks the very beginning of WIZRD's existence, and provides an opportunity to trace the band's progression in terms of writing and concept from almost day one. Another single called 'Lessons' was released from the album a few weeks earlier by Karisma at the beginning of September 2022.

The band's line up has remained stable since its formation despite all the participants being involved in several other projects, and more recently in October 2023 - having already begun work on their next album - WIZRD and Karisma Records once again joined forces to release a cover of the seminal BLACK SABBATH track 'The Wizard'. This song was a part of WIZRD's setlist a few years back, when they played some shows where the audience could vote and choose in advance what kind of artists the band should cover.

Bio provided by Yam Yam



WIZRD is a Norwegian rock band that dips its toes in all kinds of genres. From rock and indie to jazz and prog, WIZRD knows all the rules but deliberately break them.

Formed at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, WIZRD's four-piece line-up consists of Hallvard Gaardløs (Spidergawd, Draken and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (Megalodon Collective and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (Soft Ffog and more) on keyboards and vocals, Axel Skalstad (Krokofant, Soft Ffog and more) on drums.

Since 2020 the band has been working on their debut album, produced by Norwegian film score composer and Jaga Jazzist drummer Martin Horntveth. The album was recorded in Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (Bror Forsgren, Jaga Jazzist) and Horntveth. Bergen-based musician and producer Matias Tellez (Young Dreams, Girl in Red) has mixed the album.

“Seasons” is a groovy, catchy and progressive masterclass, with beautiful vocal harmonies, awesome melodies, quirky jazz grooves and a rock’n’roll drive to die for.



..::TRACK-LIST::..

1. Lessons 04:10
2. Free Will 04:43
3. Spitfire 04:59
4. All Is As It Should Be 08:09
5. Show Me What You Got 07:44
6. Fire & Water 03:40
7. Divine 06:03
8. When You Call 04:24



..::OBSADA::..

Hallvard Gaardløs - bass, lead vocals
Axel Skalstad - drums & percussion
Karl Bjorå - guitar, vocals
Vegard Lien Bjerkan - keyboards, vocals

With:
James Petralli - lead vocals (6)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m72EJT3kayQ


SEED 15:00-22:00.
POLECAM!!!