In recent years, the Sverre Sæbø Quintet has established itself as a prominent name on the Norwegian jazz scene. In the spring of 2025, they released their debut album, “If, however, you have not lost your self control” (Suajazz), to critical acclaim both domestically and abroad. The Quintet has since toured some of norway's most renowned venues and festivals like Moldejazz, Kongsbergjazz and Oslojazz, and are now really excited to perform their music for the european audience. 

The music is a vibrant blend of Sæbø’s musical influences, with clear nods to icons such as Don Cherry, Henry Grimes, and Charles Mingus. Reimagining the adventurous spirit of 1960s American free jazz alongside the contemporary Nordic and European scenes, the musicians allow these references to flow seamlessly through fluid phrasing and ecstatic exclamations. The music is performed with a drive for renewal, persistence, and an originality that draws the listener into the heart of the ensemble—showcasing a profound understanding of when to push forward and when to hold back. 

The album title, “If, however, you have not lost your self control,” is an excerpt from the correspondence between Khrushchev and Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It captures a moment on the brink of total destruction, where they had to step back from the abyss they created. This sense of how a small misstep can lead to violent escalation in modern conflicts and political systems makes the statement just as relevant today as it was 60 years ago. 

Following extensive touring that has opened new possibilities for interplay and composition, the band is this fall presenting all new material that will form the basis for their upcoming second album scheduled to be released in 2027.