Mezzoforte

13-14/2

Mezzoforte (IS)

It’s been nearly half a century since Mezzoforte first showed the world what solid, funky North Atlantic jazz-rock should sound like. Catchy melodies, powerful grooves and energetic solos became the band’s trademark – and remain so to this day. On stage, they always deliver explosive performances where virtuosic improvisations meet their signature themes – packed with energy and pure joy of playing!

Their breakthrough came in 1983 with the immortal mega-hit “Garden Party”, which made Mezzoforte the very first Icelandic band ever to tour internationally with great success. With a rich catalogue, digital reissues and an intensive touring schedule, interest in these pioneers has been reignited.

Eythor, Fridrik and Jóhann form the original core of the band. When they founded Mezzoforte in Reykjavik in 1977, they were still teenagers, but the chemistry was there from the very beginning. Four albums later, their real breakthrough came: with Surprise Surprise (1982), they stormed both the charts and the dance floors with “Garden Party”, arranged by Chris Cameron.

Reaching No. 17 on the pop charts with an instrumental track was a truly unprecedented achievement. What followed was a determined international strategy, leading to everything from screaming fans in Japan to prestigious festival stages alongside names like Spyro Gyra, Steps Ahead and Passport.

On stage:
Eythor Gunnarsson – keyboards
Fridrik Karlsson – guitar
Ari Bragi Karason – trumpet and flugelhorn
Jonas Wall – saxophone
Jóhann Ásmundsson – bass
Benedikt Brynleifsson – drums

It’s been nearly half a century since Mezzoforte first showed the world what solid, funky North Atlantic jazz-rock should sound like. Catchy melodies, powerful grooves and energetic solos became the band’s trademark – and remain so to this day. On stage, they always deliver explosive performances where virtuosic improvisations meet their signature themes – packed with energy and pure joy of playing!

Doors

19:00

On stage

19:30

It’s been nearly half a century since Mezzoforte first showed the world what solid, funky North Atlantic jazz-rock should sound like. Catchy melodies, powerful grooves and energetic solos became the band’s trademark – and remain so to this day. On stage, they always deliver explosive performances where virtuosic improvisations meet their signature themes – packed with energy and pure joy of playing!

Their breakthrough came in 1983 with the immortal mega-hit “Garden Party”, which made Mezzoforte the very first Icelandic band ever to tour internationally with great success. With a rich catalogue, digital reissues and an intensive touring schedule, interest in these pioneers has been reignited.

Eythor, Fridrik and Jóhann form the original core of the band. When they founded Mezzoforte in Reykjavik in 1977, they were still teenagers, but the chemistry was there from the very beginning. Four albums later, their real breakthrough came: with Surprise Surprise (1982), they stormed both the charts and the dance floors with “Garden Party”, arranged by Chris Cameron.

Reaching No. 17 on the pop charts with an instrumental track was a truly unprecedented achievement. What followed was a determined international strategy, leading to everything from screaming fans in Japan to prestigious festival stages alongside names like Spyro Gyra, Steps Ahead and Passport.

On stage:
Eythor Gunnarsson – keyboards
Fridrik Karlsson – guitar
Ari Bragi Karason – trumpet and flugelhorn
Jonas Wall – saxophone
Jóhann Ásmundsson – bass
Benedikt Brynleifsson – drums

It’s been nearly half a century since Mezzoforte first showed the world what solid, funky North Atlantic jazz-rock should sound like. Catchy melodies, powerful grooves and energetic solos became the band’s trademark – and remain so to this day. On stage, they always deliver explosive performances where virtuosic improvisations meet their signature themes – packed with energy and pure joy of playing!