Frode Alnæs has been a renowned musician and composer for over 40 years, particularly within the world of jazz. As a matter of fact, he played his very first Maijazz concert 36 years ago! He has established tremendous respect and renommé over the course of various musical projects, including performing with one of Norway´s most legendary jazz groups, “Masqualero” (in which Nils Petter Molvær, also appearing at Maijazz 2024, was incidentally a member). Whilst having a foot in several musical camps, it was his work within soulful pop which brought him his greatest commercial success. During the 80´s, four friends, namely Frode Alnæs, Øivind Elgenes, Yngve Moe and Bjørn Jenssen joined forces to form a “supergroup”, a band which was simply extraordinary. Their inspiration came from American soul, blues, rock, and jazz. Their very own, original, musical style was born out of all these influences. Dance With A Stranger had arrived!
The four friends went into a studio and recorded an album, but they had no record deal. That was, not until Ivar Dyrhaug appeared on the scene. He set up a company named Norsk Plateproduksjon, partly in order to release DWAS´s first album. He also made it possible for them to perform “Everyone Needs A Friend” at Spellemannsprisen in 1988. This was the breakthrough they had worked so hard for. They were an atypical Norwegian band with a melodious sense and gutsy guitar-playing, characteristic and powerful vocals, and a particularly steady rhythm section. Their debut album sold 125,000 copies and they were awarded a coveted Spellemannspris.
We can expect unbridled musical energy and a familiar DWAS vigor when one hit after another turns up the heat on this particular May evening!
Time and place: Saturday, 4th. May, 20:00 hrs., Stavanger Konserthus – Zetlitz