Cycles Magnus Bakken Quartet

• 1 Cycles 10:35
• 2 Straight Forward 05:29
• 3 Opposing Forces 08:45
• 4 Titanomachy 07:04
• 5 The Composer 12:02
• 6 Through the Snow 10:29
• 7 The Charles 05:29
• Total Runtime 59:53

Info for Cycles

The album «Cycles» is where American jazz meets the nordic jazz sound. The title «Cycles» reflects the many phases we go through in life. When one thing ends, another begins.

After four years at Berklee College of Music, Magnus has influences from both nordic jazz and the rich traditions in American jazz. It was cultural exchange, and a journey across the Atlantic ocean that inspired the album «Cycles».

During his time at Berklee, Magnus studied with the saxophone master George Garonze. The mentorship developed into a friendship, and the interplay between the two is beyond generations and nationalities.

«Cycles» was recorded in Propeller Studio, Oslo, July 2015. It is the debut album of saxophonist and composer Magnus Bakken.

"An explosive debut by this talented and versatile young man" (Per Ivar Henriksbø, GD (NO)

"A successful debut album. Congratulations!" (Jan Granlie, Salt Peanuts (DK)

"We have a new, very promising voice on the saxophone amongst us." (Tor Hammerø, Tor de Jazz (NO)

Magnus Bakken, tenor & soprano saxophone
George Garzone, tenor saxophone
Jørn Øien, piano
Christian Meaas Svendsen, bass
Jon Audun Baar, drums

Magnus Bakken
(b. 1991) is a Norwegian jazz musician and composer. His original projects include the Magnus Bakken Quartet, and the fusion group Ninjabeat. As well as leading and performing with his own groups, Magnus has worked with many of the jazz greats of today, like Terri Lyne Carrington, George Garzone, Jon Christensen. He is also one of the most sought-after horn section players in Norway.

Magnus grew up in Lillehammer, Norway, where the local jazz festival, Dølajazz, spiked his interest for music. He has his education from Berklee College of Music (2010-2014), and the Norwegian Academy of Music (2014-2016). Magnus is a household name on the Norwegian jazz scene, and as a horn section player and arranger. He has worked with artists like George Garzone, Jon Christensen, Helge Lien, Terri Lyne Carrington, Atle Pettersen, Heine Totland, Ole Børud and many more. He has appeared on various TV-shows, including Norwegian Idol, and Kvelden før Kvelden 2014. ​

Shortly after moving to Oslo, Norway in 2014, Magnus released his debut album as a solo artist Cycles. The critics were calling the album fresh, energetic and creative (Salt Peanuts) and a promising debut (Jazz i Norge), as well as naming Magnus our new big saxophone-talent (Tor De Jazz). ​

In 2014 Magnus founded the group Ninjabeat. In 2016 they released their debut album The Waiting Game, which also received great reviews. The band has since been touring an performing Magnus’ original music. ​

This album contains no booklet.