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Bugge Wesseltoft Releases Am Are, a New Chapter in Norwegian Jazz
On March 28, 2025, Norwegian pianist and composer Bugge Wesseltoft released his latest studio album, Am Are, through Jazzland Recordings. The 10‑track set marks the first time his name appears in an album title since Duo II with Henrik Schwarze in 2022, and it follows that year’s Be Am, which, though a solo effort, featured saxophonist Håkon Kornstad.
Wesseltoft, long associated with New Conception of Jazz, OKWorld! and the trio Rymden, expands the scope of his earlier work by assembling a roster of collaborators drawn from the wider Scandinavian jazz scene. The opening track, “How?”, begins with layered synthesiser textures that support a solo piano performance by Wesseltoft. “ReiN” follows, shifting to an angular, electric‑synth‑driven sound that critics have described as a "dry, slightly grating balance." “Is Anyone Listening?” brings in Norwegian soul‑jazz singer Rohey Taalah; her vocal line explores themes of isolation while tenor saxophonist Martin Myhre Olsen adds a lyrical counterpoint.
Trio formats remain a hallmark of Wesseltoft’s music. “Bag” pairs him with bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Gard Nilssen; the group starts in a conventional jazz style before veering into a progressive‑rock‑inspired section that showcases improvisational interplay. “Reel” follows, with a bowed double bass line that creates a spacious, atmospheric backdrop for piano and drums. The second trio appears on “Render” and “Vender”, where Wesseltoft is joined by bassist Sveinung Hovensjø and drummer‑percussionist Jon Christensen. These tracks feature a Rhodes piano played in a Zawinul‑style, while Hovensjø’s electric bass delivers a "savage" tone; the music is described as possessing a "dark energy" balanced by bell and synth accents.
“JazzBasill” showcases acoustic bass from Jens Mikkel Madsen and drums from Øyunn, producing a snappy rhythm that keeps the listener engaged. The title track, “Am Are”, is a late‑night jazz piece with a clear melodic line that evokes the sound of water flowing over rocks. The closing track, “ThinkaHeaD”, brings in guitarist Oddrun Lilja and the duo of Sanskriti Shrestha on tabla and harp; Wesseltoft plays piano and organ, and the arrangement moves from a quiet, shimmering introduction into a noisy interlude before returning to a tranquil conclusion.
The album was issued in multiple formats, including a 2‑LP vinyl edition (catalog number 3779706) and a CD (3779705). Cover art and liner notes credit Wesseltoft as the sole artist, with the extensive list of collaborators noted in the personnel section. Following a prolific period—Duet II with Henrik Schwarze was released in 2024, and Wesseltoft has announced a series of live performances across Scandinavia in 2025, though specific tour dates remain unpublicized—the album has yet to chart on the Norwegian Albums Chart. However, it has been highlighted by several jazz publications; All About Jazz and Jazz Music Archives have reviewed the record, noting his continued evolution of a signature blend of jazz, electronica, and atmospheric composition.
Am Are represents a return to the collaborative spirit that has defined much of Wesseltoft’s career. By bringing together a diverse group of musicians, the album offers a varied sonic palette that spans solo piano, trio improvisation, and ensemble pieces, reaffirming his position as a leading figure in contemporary Norwegian jazz.
The album is available for purchase and streaming on major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. Fans can also find the vinyl and CD editions through Jazzland Recordings’ online store and selected independent record shops.
Wesseltoft, long associated with New Conception of Jazz, OKWorld! and the trio Rymden, expands the scope of his earlier work by assembling a roster of collaborators drawn from the wider Scandinavian jazz scene. The opening track, “How?”, begins with layered synthesiser textures that support a solo piano performance by Wesseltoft. “ReiN” follows, shifting to an angular, electric‑synth‑driven sound that critics have described as a "dry, slightly grating balance." “Is Anyone Listening?” brings in Norwegian soul‑jazz singer Rohey Taalah; her vocal line explores themes of isolation while tenor saxophonist Martin Myhre Olsen adds a lyrical counterpoint.
Trio formats remain a hallmark of Wesseltoft’s music. “Bag” pairs him with bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Gard Nilssen; the group starts in a conventional jazz style before veering into a progressive‑rock‑inspired section that showcases improvisational interplay. “Reel” follows, with a bowed double bass line that creates a spacious, atmospheric backdrop for piano and drums. The second trio appears on “Render” and “Vender”, where Wesseltoft is joined by bassist Sveinung Hovensjø and drummer‑percussionist Jon Christensen. These tracks feature a Rhodes piano played in a Zawinul‑style, while Hovensjø’s electric bass delivers a "savage" tone; the music is described as possessing a "dark energy" balanced by bell and synth accents.
“JazzBasill” showcases acoustic bass from Jens Mikkel Madsen and drums from Øyunn, producing a snappy rhythm that keeps the listener engaged. The title track, “Am Are”, is a late‑night jazz piece with a clear melodic line that evokes the sound of water flowing over rocks. The closing track, “ThinkaHeaD”, brings in guitarist Oddrun Lilja and the duo of Sanskriti Shrestha on tabla and harp; Wesseltoft plays piano and organ, and the arrangement moves from a quiet, shimmering introduction into a noisy interlude before returning to a tranquil conclusion.
The album was issued in multiple formats, including a 2‑LP vinyl edition (catalog number 3779706) and a CD (3779705). Cover art and liner notes credit Wesseltoft as the sole artist, with the extensive list of collaborators noted in the personnel section. Following a prolific period—Duet II with Henrik Schwarze was released in 2024, and Wesseltoft has announced a series of live performances across Scandinavia in 2025, though specific tour dates remain unpublicized—the album has yet to chart on the Norwegian Albums Chart. However, it has been highlighted by several jazz publications; All About Jazz and Jazz Music Archives have reviewed the record, noting his continued evolution of a signature blend of jazz, electronica, and atmospheric composition.
Am Are represents a return to the collaborative spirit that has defined much of Wesseltoft’s career. By bringing together a diverse group of musicians, the album offers a varied sonic palette that spans solo piano, trio improvisation, and ensemble pieces, reaffirming his position as a leading figure in contemporary Norwegian jazz.
The album is available for purchase and streaming on major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. Fans can also find the vinyl and CD editions through Jazzland Recordings’ online store and selected independent record shops.
