Knut Værnes has been a featured Norwegian guitarist and bandleader since the early 80´s, having performed, toured, recorded and played with who´s who on the Norwegian and International music scene.

After working as an Ass. Professor at the Nordic Inst. For Stage and Studio in Oslo, and in addition to running the jazz-label, Curling Legs for many years, Knut decided in 2011 to return to active playing and composing. So he composed lots of new music and picked a few of these compositions for his new album.

And the musicians? From the upper shelves withing jazz/rock fusion. Among these: legendary drummer Omar Hakim. Who liked the idea of recording some straight-forward jazz/rock fusion and in october 2012 he Knut to record the Tributes album at the Rainbow Studios in Oslo.

The music: groovy, accessible and melodically appealing. Reminiscent of Knut´s early inspirations: Jeff Beck, John McLaughlin, Jimmy Page, Weather Report etc. Which explains the title of the album ?

The outstanding musicianship on Tributes makes the album a true feast, and was highly acclaimed by Norw. Press and the audience. The band performed several cold-out concerts in Norway fall 2013 among these were the Oslo Jazzfestival in August. Because of the success, Knut will record and perform with this band again during 2014-2015.

About the band:

Well known from recording and touring with: Sting, Miles Davis, Weather Report, Madonna, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, John Scofield, Mick Jagger and many more. He was least seen and heard live on the GRamy Show 2014, performing with Daft Punk/Stevie Wonder and and Pharrel Williams. He recently put out a new album with his band, The Omar Hakim Experience : ”We are one”.

Knut Værnes – guitar/composer

Recorded/played/toured with: Jan Garbarek, Bugge Wesseltoft, Nils Petter Molvær, Tore Brunborg, Sidsel Endresen, the Cutting Edge, Knut Værnes Trio, the Vertavo String Quartet, Several of his groups have featured international asrtists such as drummer Danny Gottlieb (from Pat Metheny group), Manolo Badrena (percussionist with Weather Report), Lars Danielsson (Swedish bassist and bandleader). Etc.

Released 10 albums as a solo-artist since 1992 and performed at many international festivals and venues: Leverkusener Jazztage, Montmartere (Copenhagen), Ronnis Scott´s Club (London), Fasching (Stockholm), GuiartArts Festival (Belgrade), Kumonovo Jazzfestival (Macedonia), Molde Intl Jazzfestival (Norway).

Jørn Øien – keyboards

One of Scandianavias leading keybordists for almost 20 years. Performed at all major festivals with many of Norways leading jazz and pop artists and bands.

Frode Berg – bass

Professional bassist since early 90´s. Well known for his versatility. Treats the electric and double bass with same easy. Internationally known from artists like Helge Lien Trio, Petter Wettre Quartet, Donna Summer, Peter Erskine (drums) and many more. He has a regular position as bassist in the Oslo Philarmonic Orchestra.

Kasper S. Værnes – alto-sax

24 years. Educated at Norw. Academy of Music, Despite his young age Kasper has, performed and toured with a vast array of different bands and settings. Both TV-shows, experimental free-form music, up-tempo bebop is treated with the same ease. Last year he toured internationally with blue giant Junior Watson.