Not Normal

Emil Bø is a Norwegian trombonist and composer who has been quietly but steadily sharpening his voice on the Scandinavian scene. Working across multiple ensembles and across Europe, Bø has established himself as a restless and intellectually rigorous voice in contemporary jazz and improvisation. He has made his mark in various areas, ranging from playing in the brass section of well-known pop bands at major festivals, to delivering remarkable solo concerts.

Bø's "Not Normal" was originally commissioned by Oslo Jazz Festival for their 2024 festival, and he took the band into Øra Studio in Trondheim to re-work the compositions into a unique album experience, with a line-up of brilliant musicians. "Modærn Qualitet" doesn't just comment on contemporary jazz or contemporary society—it stares at both until they blink first, functioning as something stranger than a live document or studio refinement: a curated ecosystem where composition, improvisation, electronics, and conceptual intent coexist without asking permission. The material is inspired by the absurdities of everyday life and all sorts of strange expectations about what should be considered normal. The record was also nominated for the best jazzalbum of the year 2025 by the Norwegian Grammy Awards.

Beyond the Not Normal ensemble, Bø leads ükya, an up and coming Norwegian trio playing music in the field of improvised and open form music. ükya works with conceptions around just intonation, European art music, minimalism, jazz and British improvisational music, resulting in a contemporary reflection of free form and a rigorous organization of sound in a lyrical and energetic wrapping. The trio released their album "Soon Means Now" via Nakama, establishing themselves as a central voice in Norway's experimental jazz landscape.

Bø was awarded the USBL Jazz Talent at Oslo Jazz Festival in 2023, part of which includes a concert in the festival program. He continues to collaborate across the European scene and returns regularly to major Norwegian festivals and venues.

Lineup: Emil Bø - trombone and compositions Eirik Hegdal - saxes and synths Heidi Kvelvane - saxes Åsmund S. Waage - vibraphone Anna Ueland - synths and Rhodes Kertu Aer - bass Veslemøy Narvesen - drums

“Bø, a Norwegian trombonist and composer who has been quietly but steadily sharpening his voice on the Scandinavian scene, first conceived 'Not Normal' as a commissioned work for the Oslo Jazz Festival.”

“There's something deliciously ironic about calling a project 'Not Normal' and then delivering an album that feels uncannily precise in diagnosing the present moment.”

“An exciting, interesting and brilliant release, which shows Emil Bø both as an excellent composer and an outstanding trombonist.”

“The music is theatrical, full-bodied and rich in dynamics. Close to certain intuitions of the never too celebrated Sun Ra.”