The Danish/Norwegian Trio Hot N Spicy Released a Live Album in 2013 from Two Magical Evenings at Oslo Concert Hall
Hot N Spicy was formed in the year 2000 during a jam session at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Holmen, Copenhagen. Since then, they have released three studio albums and played more than 1,000 live shows—especially throughout Scandinavia. The trio has performed everywhere from clubs and major festivals like the Stockholm Jazz Festival, Molde Jazz, and Copenhagen Jazz Festival to more unexpected venues—like a tanning salon in Store Heddinge.
According to Denmark’s Grand Old Jazz King, Svend Asmussen, Hot N Spicy is a cornucopia of varied and relaxed swing music that King Cole, Stuff Smith, and Slam Stewart would have delighted in—and so does Svend. In fact, he went so far as to call violinist Bjarke Falgren his protégé and successor.
The double CD includes two never-before-released tracks, “Gadzo” and “With Open Arms,” along with selections from the band’s previous three albums: Journey (2002), A Pillow’s Tale (2006), and Female Intuition (2009).
On this release, the three Scandinavians deliver interplay of an internationally high caliber. One reviewer described the group’s music as “an elegant and virtuosic elixir of smiling jazz and swing, laced with a teaspoon of pop and an occasional dash of rock, just like Mom used to make.” There’s ample room for improvisation and playful spontaneity, but also a striking emotional depth in their ballads. You can clearly sense that these three musicians have played over 1,000 concerts together.
Hot N Spicy consists of:
Bjarke Falgren – violin/viola
Svein Erik Martinsen Ånestad – guitar/vocals
Lars Tormod Jenset – double bass
"Surprisingly good, huge hit potential, and overall a very positive experience."
— Bent Fabricius-Bjerre
With Hot N Spicy on the musical menu, you’re guaranteed a swinging, lively, and sensuous experience—especially in their live performances.
"A brilliant and atmospherically rich release."
— Martin Loft, Skopet.dk
"Bubbling and inspired musicality—a colorful and warm surprise."
— Christian Munch-Hansen, Dagbladet Information
"The trio is back in their true element: elegantly swinging jazz, which they master supremely."
— Søren Chr. Kirkegaard, Rootszone
“I was asked to say something unflattering about Hot N Spicy:
Unfortunately, I can’t help you there. But it does annoy me a little that they play so skillfully and with such joy and ease that the rest of us have to step up our game. Things were going so well for us—until now!”
— Steffen Brandt