Atomic is in the top league of European contemporary jazz, and one of few jazz bands that regularly appear on rock critics’ favourite lists. Regarded as one of the finest live acts around, their music refined yet rough and dirty at the edges, Atomic never leaves the audience unmoved. Bruised, maybe, but always wanting more!

The music draws from a great range of influences: We hear echoes from legendary Miles Davis and John Coltrane recordings, Swedish folk music, American avant-garde, New Orleans jazz, rock, blues and free jazz. While Atomic’s dynamic and intense expressions never really allow the listener to relax, and the musical freedom at times can seem boundless, the music is still rooted in melody and tonality. This may be hyper-modern music, but its foundations lie deep in the great tradition.

The five members of Atomic are among the most highly respected jazz musicians in Scandinavia, each with prominent individual careers. Over the years, playing together in Atomic, they have developed a sense of understanding and interaction on stage that borders on the telepathic. Add this to strong compositions by Ljungberg, Broo and Wiik, and you have an act that’s almost unbeatable.

Håvard Wiik (piano), Magnus Broo (trumpet), Fredrik Ljungkvist (sax), Ingebrigt Haaker Flaten (bass), Paal Nilssen-Love (drums)