Biography
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Years Active
1998 – present (26 years)
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Members
- Erlend Skomsvoll
- Håkon Mjåset Johansen
- Live Maria Roggen
- Sondre Meisfjord
"What delights me (and it rarely happens) is when a singer sings even a song I've heard countless times tiresomely, but the song sounds as if I've never heard it before. Live Roggen sings like that."
Michael Bourne, Down Beat
Come Shine have been playing old jazz standards since 1998, and this jazz quartet is more than a great singer with a piano trio behind her. They work together as a tightly woven unit, focusing on the special arrangements - arrangements that may differ substantially from versions heard before - without compromising the beauty of these immortal tunes and lyrics.
The quartet Come Shine is highly ranked in Norwegian jazz among both musicians, in the media and in the general public. Their way of treating the American standards seem to be able to convince both critics and record buyers from different generations.
So far, Come Shine have released two studio albums (2001 and -02) and one live album (with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, 2003) all of them critically acclaimed. The second album, "Do Do That Voodoo", was last year's Norwegian Grammy Award jazz winner. The response to the quartet's live concerts in other Nordic countries, as well as Vietnam and India, indicates that this success is not merely of a provincial quality.
The four musicians are all well-known characters in the vital, younger generation of Norwegian jazz. Separately they work in different styles, undoubtedly influenced by Norwegian elements and pioneers like Jan Garbarek, Radka Toneff, Jon Balke, Nils Petter Molvær - and many more.
Yet, in Come Shine they unite in playing swing jazz inspired by the old American tradition, their sound open and acoustic - combined with fresh arrangements, excellent musicianship and joyous stage appearances. This has resulted in grateful audiences and overwhelming reviews everywhere Come Shine have played.
Come Shine are no longer playing together, but are continuously talking of getting back together. Bassplayer Sondre Meisfjord is currently playing with Urban Tunnèlls Klezmerband, while the other three are pursuing their own personal and professional careers.
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