Nods Off

Stefan Wistrand saxophones
Stefan Larsson electric bass
Peter Olsen drums
Daniel Carlsson guitar

Nods Off was founded in 1990 in Eskilstuna, Sweden, by bassist Stefan Larsson and reed player Stefan Wistrand. A year later drummer Peter Olsen joined the duo. Since then the line-up has gone through several changes, with members "coming & going", but with Wistrand as the uniting force and leader of the group. In 1997 through 1998, the group co-operated with shells and trumpet player Tommy Adolfsson (Karl Brothers, Iskra, Bitter Funeral Beer Band, Finnish jazz group Krakatau) for a couple of gigs. During the years 1998-2000 Nods Off was an acoustic trio with Wistrand complemented by double bassist Tommy Skotte (Abash, Christer Bothén Ensemble) and drummer Erik Dahlbäck (Per Henrik Wallin Trio, Änglaspel, Fläsket Brinner), both noted players on the
Swedish jazz scene. On some occasions during 2000-2001 trumpeter Emil Strandberg joined both the acoustic and electric versions of the band. But as of today Nods Off comprises of the resurrected original line-up complemented by Daniel Carlsson (guitar).

Nods Off has performed in many different venues: jazz- and rock clubs, festivals, museums, etcetera. Their first CD "Lococycle" (einnicken ers 9310) was released in 1993. The record was placed on play lists by two American radio stations in New York. In autumn 2000 the second CD "Here, There, Down & Up!" (einnicken era 0012) by the original version of the group was released, consisting of recordings made around the middle of the 90's. Both records have gained some favourable reviews in esteemed American music magazines. In May 2002 a limited edition CD-EP "Live at Tellus" (einnicken ers 0213) was released, featuring the recent line-up, with tracks from a short ,but intense, concert at the Tellus-scene in Stockholm. Nods Off is also featured with a live track on Club Memento's compilation CD "memento - the scene, the music" (einnicken era 0314) released in March 2003.

Nods Off's music has its main roots in the free jazz movement, but with connections both to free improvised music as well as experimental rock. The compositions serve as starting points for what's most important: the improvisation.

Contact Nods Off at NodsOff@hotmail.com