The Core was one of the most active Norwegian jazz bands between 2001-2012 with over 250 concerts in and outside the country. The band reunited in 2021 with new material and a renewed energy. 

The Core was formed in 2001 with all musicians meeting at the Jazz performance studies in Trondheim. They won the ExxonMobile Jazz Price at Molde International Jazz Festival in 2004, one of the first stipends for young jazz musicians awarded in Norway. 

The Core has since the start released 8 records, played all the big Norwegian jazz festivals and toured diligently in Norway and abroad.   

Kjetil Møster - saxophone
Erlend Slettevoll - piano 
Steinar Raknes - bass 
Espen Aalberg - drums