Scroll down for news archive

20 0 9

Marius + solo guitar = Christmas album with class, warmth and personality.

RELEASE FROM THE DISTRIBUTION NOV. 2nd: Solo album from Marius Noss Gundersen.

Marius is one of Norway’s leading classical guitarists and is now releasing a beautiful solo Christmas album. ”To You” is a follow-up to the wonderful CD  ”Una Dia de Noviembre” released 2006.

Marius Noss Gundersen  "To You"

PJRCD 1020

Release  from the distribution: Nov. 2nd

Words for the press..    Cover (jpg)..

Appleton Post Crescen - Wisconsin (USA): "I'd like to believe that I know from the spare arrangements on Marius Noss Gundersen's "To You that this solo guitarist was a Norwegian. He has the sound of the snow-covered landscape out my window as I write this just after the big December 9 storm. Even after battling the drifts with El Toro (the REd Bull), I an still appreciate the beauty of the fluff stuff, and with Marius' superb CD on the stereo, I feel very much at peace with Mother Nature...even if she did just try to kill me again.."Gerry Grzyb Read more..

Christmasreviews.com (USA): Blissful selection by Norwegian guitarist Read more..

The Newspaper Vårt Land: Marius Noss Gundersen and his guitar, no one else. What pieacefulness it brings us. The CD is released through a jazz-label, but is leaning towards the classical genre rather than jazz.

.........................................................................

RELEASE FROM THE DISTRIBUTION OCT. 12th:The composer and arranger Torbjørn Aasen here with arrangements written for two Grand pianos played by two of Norway's great classical concert pianists; Trygve Trædal and Karina Bull-Gjertsen. The result becomes some sort of a "cross-over"-production. Wonderful and funny!

Torbjørn Aasen, Trygve Trædal & Karina Bull-Gjertsen  "Ti for To"

PJRCD 1018

Release from the distribution: October 12th. 2009

Dave Brubeck about the CD: "I listened with my ears wide open. Wonderful. I salute the pianists"

The Newspaper Fedrelandsvennen:

 Video from the release party (Remember volume up :-))

Words for the press..   Cover (jpg)   Cover (tiff)

.........................................................................

New CD from the guitarist Michael Aadal. Released from the distribution: September 21st.

RELEASE CONCERT AT KICK, KRISTIANSAND, NORWAY OCT. 18TH

Michael Aadal Group "Desertion" PJRCD 1021

From the distribution: September 21st. 2009

Words for the press..

The newspaper Fedreandsvennen:

TV 2:   The newspaper Varden:    Radio Ung:    Wordpressblogg: Read more..

.........................................................................

RELEASE FROM THE DISTRIBUTION SEPT. 14th: 50 years as an artist - time for a celebration. AND WHAT A CELEBRATION THIS IS!!!!!

Jan Berger "Ego Trip"

PJRCD 117

Released: September 14th. 2009

TV2:

The Newspapaer Dagsavisen: "The trip through old and new takes some surpising turns, a trip ou want to be a part of. Roald Helgheim

The Newspaper Hamar Arbeiderblad:

The Newspaper Østlendingen:

The Newspaper Nordlys:

Words for the press..

.........................................................................

A beautiful production released January 2009: Helle Brunvoll & Halvard Kausland "In Our House"  PJRCD 115

The vocalist Helle Brunvoll is making her CD-debut - and what a debut!!!  The guitarist and composer Halvard Kausland and Helle Brunvoll released the most beautiful CD when needed the most - in January when the temperature outside is low. For you who's never heard of Helle, you've got something to look forward to now. She, Halvard Kausland and some of the leading jazz musicians in Norway went to Rainbow Studio and recorded this album containing original jazz compositions by Halvard Kausland, and with lyrics by Kausland and Brunvoll.

Release concert Horten Jazz Club January 23rd and in Oslo at Herr Nilsen January 24th. Words for the press (only in Norwegian)..

Wonderful review at NRK, but only in Norwegian at the moment. If you want to read or listen to it in Norwegian  Read the reveiw>  or listen to the review..

Sound samples in this video

THE PHOTOS ARE FROM THE RELEASE CONCERTEN OCTOBER 23rd AT HORTEN JAZZ CLUB. All rights reserved the photographer Tordis Ødbehr©

.........................................................................

A rare kind of CD released May 4th: A duo-recording: The duo Nest with the album "Calling Home" PJRCD 1015

Guitar and vocal. The guitarist John-Kåre Hansen and the singer Anita Johnsen went to the studio together with the guitarist Hallgeir Pedersen as their producer. The CD has been mixed and mastered by Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studio. Words for the press..

.........................................................................

2 0 0 8

Released October 17th 2008

Erling Wicklund's  STORESLEM - Live at Lancelot  - featuring Atle Hammer and Harald Bergersen - PJRCD 114

Ponca Jazz Records proudly presents this live recording containing some of the finest jazz musicians in Norway. Words for the press..

The National Newspaper Aftenposten: DICE TROW

Nordlys:

.........................................................................

Released: October 12th 2008

Duo Gvito "Retrospect" - PJCRD 1016

Beautiful review (USA) : "(...) what makes this disc most striking, is the sheer enjoyment they seem to share in the performance of the music; there is a uniquely joyous feel to the entire disc that makes listening to it a true pleasure". Timothy Smith - minor7th.com Click for complete review>>

The newspaper Gjengangeren

The newspaper Fredrikstad Blad

The newspaperTønsberg Blad

The newspaperSarpsborg Arbeiderblad

Words for the press (only in Norwegian)..

.........................................................................

Odd Riisnæs - Tittle: Another road - Cat. No.: PJRCD 112

The newspaper Dagsavisen: The saxophonist and composer Odd Riisnæs doesn't release his reocds too often, but when he does; what an album he's made. "Another Road" is the greatest pearl this spring.

VOLum: Really beautiful"

Words for the press (only in Norwegian)..

The saxophonist, composer and music-arranger Odd Riisnæs. We've been waiting for this unique musician to record a new CD - and HERE IT IS!!!!!!!

Odd Riisnæs

.........................................................................

EntusiJazzme - "What you hear is what you get!" PJRCD 1014

The newspaper Nordlys:

This is a rare kind of recording - a father and son project. Ther father here is Trond Mathisen the leader of the band Entusijazzme: A fine jazz band. His son, Jørgen Mathisen, has been well known on the Norwegian jazz scene for some  time for beieng part of bands like Shagma, The Core, Zanussi 5, Humwee and Supersonic Rocketship. This is  worth a listen! Words for the press..

.........................................................................

Hilde Hefte and The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

AN EVENING IN PRAGUE - PJRCD 111

FANTASTIC REVIEWS AT JAZZ.COM: "Norwegian chanteuse Hilde Hefte delivers an intimate, assured rendering of one of the most intricate and lovely ballads ever written. With a relaxed authority devoid of diva pretensions, her ethereal voice glides through Elise Bretton's intricate changes while Egil Kapstad's deceptively understated piano utilizes space to enhance rather than crowd his lush orchestral arrangement. Captured in a live session with the prolific Prague Philharmonic under the capable Mario Klemens, this is a recording to be savored in a private moment – perfect for lovers in front of a fire on a chilly night. Personally, I can't wait to spend an evening or two in Prague." Bill Barnes

Had to be reprinted after only 14 days on the market. :-)

No. 3 on the list in Norway's largest newspaper Dagbladet: Best productions during 2007 :-)

NRK (National Broadcasting Company) Jazz departement: "GRAND"

"With their musical evening in Prague Hilde Hefte and Egil Kapstad place themselves quietly and calm in the world-elite-class." (...)"This is how far the 20th century came, they've said it all, everything is now said." Erliing Wicklund NRK  Click for the review (only in Norwegian)

The Jazz Express (Jazz Radio) - Queensland, Australia: "(...)Sublime music  enviable musicians, the best European CD I've heard all year. (...)If you love sultry ballads Hilde Hefte will melt your heart"

Hilde on the best-selling-artist-list "Sørlandslista" in the newspaper Fedrelandsvennen for 14 weeks.

TV2: "Wonderful evenings in Prague"

The newspaper Bergens Tidende: "Exquisite"

The newspaper Nordlys:

The newspaper Nordslys:

The newspaper Aftenposten: Peacefulnes in body and soul. Hilde is singing with gentle authority!

The newspaper Dagbladet: A treasure. (...) Rest your soul by listening to Hilde Hefte. Jazz and strings reaches a higher level and Hilde Hefte has never sung better.

Rana Blad: "So beautiful that the winter melts away"

The newspaper F.vennen: Quiet and soft.

The newspaper Lillehammer Byavis: 6 out of 6 stars

On the Nine o'clock News on National TV (NRK) - Nov. 7th

Words for the press ..

.........................................................................

HILDE HEFTE: 30 minutes Live Radio Show with radio host Dr. Harris Stratyner (USA):

Live Radio Show - New York

.............................................

Various artists (turn the speakers on :-))

Jazz collection 1 - PCRCD 108

2 0 0 7

Hilde Hefte's CD "On the Corner is receiving wonderful review in the US: "This World Class vocalist is deserving of more attention in the U.S.!"

Click to read more>>

.............................................

Hilde Hefte and Egil Kapstad did a mini-concert for the Nobel Peace Prize Winners at the Nobel Peace Center Dec. 11th

............................................

ANTONSEN BIG BAND TOGETHER WITH PAPERBOYS AT NRK - STORE STUDIO - CLICK FOR VIDEO>>

.............................................

Tom Olstad

Changes - for Mingus

PJRCD 113

Aftenposten:

Nordlys: 

Oppland Arbeiderblad:

Rana Blad:

TV2:

RReleased: October 25th

Words for the press >>

The drummer tom Olstad is releasing his first CD under his own name - about time.

Together with his regular quintet "Changes" and a well known singer as a guest he has recorded a fine tribute to the bassist and composer Charles Mingus.

.........................................................................

Lee Konitz/John Pål Inderberg

Live in Oslo

PJRCD 109

Released on Lee Konitz 80th birthday 13th October.

We are so very proud and feel so honoured being able to present this live recording. It took place at Scene West during Oslo Jazz Festival 2005. Thanks to NRK who did the recording in the first place.

Wonderful review in the US:"Masters Join Hands Across the Water"   Click to read more

The concert made the newspaper Dagbladet throw the dice - and it landed on 6. AND SO DID THE CD AS WELL:

The national newspaper Dagbladet:  

The newspaper Nordlys:

The newspaper Helgeland Arbeiderblad:

The national newspaper Aftenposten:

Words for the press >>

.........................................................................

Antonsen Big Band

With guests - PJRCD 110

Putte Wickman, Ole Edvard Antonsen, Frode Thingnæs, Yngvar Numme, Göran Fristorp, Grethe Kausland, Petter Wettre, Paperboys, Odd Renè Andersen, Odd R. Antonsen

Østlendingen: Big Band lives!

Rana Blad: Class and quality!

Ringsaker Blad:

TV2:

Aftenposten:

ANTONSEN BIG BAND TOGETHER WITH PAPERBOYS AT NRK  STORE STUDIO OCT. 8th - CLICK FOR VIDEO>>

Words for the press >>

.........................................................................

Ponca Jazz Records sends their warmest congratulations to Hallgeir Pedersen who received the prestigious prize Stubøprisen 2007

Click for interview, sound and video - NRK (only in Norwegian) >>

.............................................

Sommerregn - released 31st. August

Svein Olav Herstad piano, Harald Johnsen double-bass, Per Oddvar Johansen drums.

The newspaper Rana Blad:

.........................................................................

Frank Kvinge  - New CD!

Grieg Solo Guitar - PJRCD 1012

Released: 15.th August

The guitarist, Frank Kvinge, who is not defining himself as a classical guitarist, is relasing an album containing compositions by the great Norwegian classical composer Edvard Grieg.

Frank Kvinge visiting Breakfast TV at NRK >>

The newspaper Bergens Tidende:

The newspaper Hamar Arbeiderblad:

.........................................................................

Ponca Jazz Records proudly presents the album

Dig

Svein Olav Herstad piano, Harald Johnsen double-bass, Torbjørn Engan drums. Click cover for sound-samples

The newspaper Rana Blad: Recommended!

TV2:

.........................................................................

HILDE HEFTE QUINTET RECORDING IN PRAGUE

Click cover to enlarge - Photo: Alf Solbakken

Click for newspaper article (only in Norwegian)

.............................................

The complete Hilde Hefte-CD "Playsong - the music of Bill Evans" broadcasted at: Rádio Universitária do Minho i Portugal >>

.............................................

The complete Egil Kapstad -CD "Wolfvoices"  broadcasted at: Rádio Universitária do Minho i Portugal >>

............................

Egil Kapstad's new composition "Twelve pictures" composed to Jan Erik Vold's collection of poems called "Drømmemakeren sa" had it's world-premier in Germany 5th. May.

............................

Knaus Trio'smusic from the CD's "Wisper Not"and "As You Are" was heard in the film about Arne Ness on National Television NRK 2. Program: "Faktor". Date: 21st. May

............................

Ponca Jazz Records sends their warmest greeting to Bjørn Alterhaug at his birthday the 3. June

2006

............................

On The Corner

Now distributed in England as well, through Discovery Records.

On the corner - Fantastic critics from all over the world: Read more

.............................................

The guitarist and teacher Rolf Kristensen who released his CD - Shimmering Minor -  some time ago, has released a text-book called Voicing (which also incl. a sample-CD).

.............................................

Bill Risby: Recording for Australian TV dramas such as for the ABC, Young Lions on Channel 9, and live tv appearances. He has also recorded music for documentaries and film scores including "The Night They called It A Day", "A Man's Gotta Do..." and many others.

Bill has played with international artists such as the Maria Schneider, Bobby Shew, William Gallison, Kitty Margolis, Rob McConnell (Boss Brass), the Velotti Batiste Jazz Ensemble (Italy), Andre Crouch and Doug Cameron among others.

He has done supports for Dionne Warwich, Thelma Houston and US saxophone player Steve lacy.

He has played with Radio NHK Symphony Orchestra (Tokyo), The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and recorded with the Prague Symphony Orchestra.

More words for the press >>

Photos >>

....................

Newspaper-critics -  release concert at Agder Theatre:

"Words and music makes you fall in love and get very impressed."

"This was beautiful, Hilde."

F.vennen Øivind Holte

The audience after the concert:

"Hilde is a national treasure." Author and poet Paal-Helge Haugen

"Hilde is unique." Else Marie Jakobsen

(...)"artist with international standard."  Head of Agder Theatre Alex Scherpf

Click concert poster for full size (Design & photo: Alf Solbakken)

.......................

Norway's Grand Old Man within the genre jazz- Einar "Pastor'n" Iversen received St. Olavs Orden - Norways most respected honour  from the Royal House of Norway.

Photo: Alf Solbakken

.....................

Release-concert at Agder Theatre

Hilde Hefte Quintet

Click concert poster for full size (Design & photo: Alf Solbakken)

Press lounge CD

.......................

Marius Gundersen's solo-album

Una Dia de Noviembre

released 20. March!

in the Norwegian newspaper Gjengangeren

in the Norwegian newspaper Smaalenes Avis

in the Norwegian newspaper Østlandsposten

.......................

Jazz collection 1

in the Norwegian newspaper Rana Blad

Wonderful critic in the music magazine Puls:

All the music on this album has got its roots in the hard-swinging bop-tradition, and all tracks has got great quality and "the real thing".

(...) a lot of rare treasures; and as a door-opener into the original 14 recordings it is an exelent album.

Tor Hammerø

Critic: (Only in Norwegian)

.....................

Birthday 3. June: Bjørn Alterhaug

Ponca Jazz Records sends their warmest congratulations.

.....................

23. May is Bjørn Johansen's birthday.

Thank you for your wonderful music.

.....................

Norway's Grand Old Man within the genre jazz- Einar "Pastor'n" Iversen received St. Olavs Orden - Norways most respected honour  from the Royal House of Norway.

(Click photo for larger size - All rights reserved the photographer Alf Solbakken)

The reason for receiving this honour from The Royal House of Norway, is his unique position and work within the music genre jazz.

Ponca Jazz Records sends their warmest congratulations to Iversen!

.....................

Ponca Jazz Records is taking over Bjørn Alterhaugs wonderful albums; and we proudly presents:

Moments

Awarded with the Norwegian Grammy Spellemannsprisen

A Ballad

2005

.......................

Einar Iversen's CD Me And My Piano

bought by The Arts Council Norway to be spread to librarys etc.

Congratulation Iversen

.......................

December 2005

Øyvind Gravdal Band

In the tree

PJRCD 1007

Available now.