Vilnius Jazz 2026: Andreas Røysum Ensemble & Marvin Tate (NO – USA)

Norway-USA

Andreas Røysum – cls
Marvin Tate – voc
Erik Kimestad Pedersen – tp
Henriette Eilertsen – fl
Hans Kjorstad – vln
Selma Granly – vlo
Signe Emmeluth – as
Aksel Rønning – ts, fl
Øyvind Brække – tb
Egil Kalman – synth
Christian Meaas Svendsen – b
Eirik Wie Flaig – dr

The story behind this fascinating project began in 2023, when the renowned Norwegian clarinettist, composer and producer Andreas Røysum and the legendary Chicagoan poet, vocalist and contemporary artist Marvin Tate met at the Berlin Jazz Festival. The artists immediately wanted to combine their talents and ideas.

Shortly afterwards, the Norwegian’s group Røysum Ensemble, featuring Tate, performed in Oslo, recorded an album and embarked on a tour of the US. The influential magazine DownBeat hailed their performance at the Sound & Gravity festival in Chicago as one of the highlights of the event and described their partnership as unique.

Tate’s multi-layered poetry, created spontaneously with pathos and humour, blended perfectly with Røysum’s energetic arrangements, which defy stylistic boundaries.

In 2026–2027, the artists will continue their collaboration by presenting new premieres in their home countries and abroad.

Røysum Ensemble has been active since 2018. Its leader describes it as his dream team – the ensemble comprises his friends and favourite colleagues. Boldly blending influences from jazz, folk, contemporary and black music in its albums and concerts, the ensemble has already established itself at the forefront of improvisational music and earned a reputation as the ‘musical national team’. Its four albums have received excellent critical acclaim, and with its latest, recorded with Tate, the ensemble has reached new heights of expression.