Ensemble Denada This ensemble from Oslo may look at first sight like a big band, but it is truly an oversized quintet. The size and the line-up generates some unique musical opportunities, boosting the interaction between composer/bandleader Helge Sunde and his formidable players. Helge Sundes innovative writing for large jazz ensembles was for several years a well known "secret" in Scandinavia. It is not so anymore – with the release of the album “Denada” on ACT in 2007, Sunde's extraordinary abilities became known to the world. The album received rave reviews, and the release opened the doors to European festivals and venues for the ensemble.

Helge Sunde's ties to European art music combined with his intuitive perception of the African-American tradition is clearly reflected into the music formula. The compositions represent a blend of strictly composed music, directed sequences and free improvisation. This requires a group of musicians able to approach chamber music interpretation in one movement, and to deliver hardcore jazz improvisation in the next. It also requires an ensemble capable of contributing to the development of the compositions, without interfering with the artistic direction of the composer.

This innovative exchange between the performers and composer Helge Sunde is the main asset of Ensemble Denada. And it might explain why the band receive many positive comments from audiences and press for being something else then a bunch of well trained musicians performing good scores.

We couldn't have said it better than the London's newspaper 'Evening Standard' recently did: "Bring Ensemble Denada back to London! This is one of the most versatile, high-spirited and original 14-piece bands heard in London for years. As they strode up to the bandstand, playing spiky counterpoint, an evening of free-form New Orleans beckoned. Moments later, their four saxes, three trumpets and three trombones punched out meaty ensembles with the precision of a top Las Vegas showband."