Graosido by Knut Kvifte Nesheim & OJKOS

Viewed from my family’s ancient farmstead by Lake Løna (Lønavatnet) near Voss in western Norway, the mountain called Graosido, literally ‘grey side’ in English, is in the far distance; but yet, by a quirk of perspective, it’s reflection on the lake appears to bring it much closer to me. The weather and seasons change, but Graosido is one constant in my life, whether shiny in the sunlight, dusted with the first snows of winter, veiled in fog, or hidden behind low clouds.

It's the same with OJKOS, a collective of jazz composers I have had the privilege to be a member of for almost five years. The task of composing rotates between the collective’s members, guaranteeing that every project is different. However, the ensemble’s identity is somehow preserved, and so over the years OJKOS has been both a constant and an ever-changing thing at the same time. Much like Graosido.

This music was inspired by this common duality and the compositions are named using words found in the Voss dialect (vossamål) – distinctive words describing natural environments and weather phenomena present at Graosido. - Knut Kvifte Nesheim

Knut Kvifte Nesheim is an innovative drummer and composer hailing from Oslo, Norway. Drawing upon his roots in Norwegian folk music and jazz, Nesheim crafts a unique blend of experimental music, characterized by melodic and playful interplay, and a passion for improvisation.