Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (Exit) Knarr

He took his time in establishing himself as a composer and bandleader: it was only after moving to Austin, Texas, that the remarkably versatile The Young Mothers – who also performed at the Jazzfest Berlin in 2019 and 2025 – became the first band under his leadership. His ambition as a composer was fully revealed when he founded the band (Exit) Knaar. The ensemble was founded in 2020 following a commission from the Vossa Jazz Festival in Norway and has undergone a series of changes since then.

Following numerous line-up changes, the band has come together as a well-oiled machine that nevertheless has plenty of soul to offer. The bassist’s compositions are imbued with a richly informed sensibility – a deep love for all manner of music. Through the prism of jazz, diverse influences are thus combined in compositions that thrive on their erratic and adventurous twists and turns.

Together with the Berlin-based Polish pianist Marta Warelis, the Danish saxophonist Amalie Dahl – who most recently performed at the Jazzfest Berlin last year with her project Dafnie EXTENDED and is now based in Oslo – the American guitarist Jonathan F. Horne, and the Norwegian musicians Olaf Olsen (drums), Karl Hjalmar Nyberg (tenor saxophone and electronics) and Karl Bjorå (guitar), Flaten has assembled a well-rehearsed post-bop band. They do not shy away from embarking on wild improvisational excursions, tapping into the power of hard rock and swinging like mad. The bandleader’s energy is reminiscent of none other than the great Charles Mingus and generates a powerful drive that nevertheless always retains a palpable sense of elegance and composure.

Line-up

• Amalie Dahl – alto saxophone
• Karl Hjalmar Nyberg – tenor saxophone, electronics
• Marta Warelis – piano, electronics
• Jonathan F. Horne – guitar
• Karl Bjorå – guitar
• Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – double bass
• Olaf Olsen – drums

23:45

Jam session #1

featuring musicians from the Jazzfest Berlin programme

As was the case last year, the jam sessions at Quasimodo are intended to revive a long-standing tradition of the Jazzfest Berlin. Musicians from the festival programme are invited to come together late into the night in completely new line-ups and improvise together in a relaxed atmosphere.