The Brazz Brothers

The Brazz Brothers is an institution in Norwegian cultural life. During 42 years of continuous operation, the ensemble has played over 5,000 concerts and toured in 34 countries. The ensemble has played at the largest music and jazz festivals in Europe and the USA and has been soloists and conducted concerts with 20 professional symphony orchestras in Europe. The ensemble has also had great activity on the African continent with over 200 concerts in Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa.

Jan Magne Førde, trumpet
Helge Førde, trombone
Stein Erik Tafjord, tuba
Runar Tafjord, horn
Kåre Nymark, trumpet
Kenneth Ekornes, Drums

The Brazz Brothers have created their own musical style and genre. Unique interaction, improvisation and originality performed at a high technical level, have led to the ensemble becoming a strong brand where the artistic expression of the individual members forms the foundation of the ensemble. The group has created a repertoire that is built around the musicians' own compositions and arrangements. Several of the compositions have become internationally known and are played by other ensembles and orchestras around the world.

The Brazz Brothers have released 25 albums that have received great acclaim from both the public and the press. The ensemble has also received a number of awards and nominations. Among other things, the ensemble has been nominated for the Nordic Council Prize, received the Møre og Romsdal County Culture Prize, the Sula Municipality Culture Prize, the Sildajazz Prize, the Gammleng Prize and six nominations for the Spellemann Prize.

The Brazz Brothers' educational activities are extensive. The ensemble has developed its own teaching methodology based on improvisation and ear playing. There are hardly any wind players in Norway and Scandinavia who have not participated in The Brazz Brothers' ear playing seminars.