Martin Nodeland: TRIBUTARIES

Release date: October 17th, 2025

Tributaries is a collection of compositions that each represent musical influence that have been important in the shaping of Martin Nodeland’s identity as a performer and composer. Simultaneously they represent a series of personal experiences, stories and anecdotes that have inspired the music. The title is chosen to describe how these elements merge into each other, forming the album.

Martin Nodeland is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and bandleader from Norway. He has established himself as a significant figure in the Norwegian jazz scene, garnering praise worldwide for his distinct sound. Deeply rooted in the American jazz tradition, spanning the bop era to contemporary influence, Nodeland's approach to improvisation is both modern and innovative. His playing is characterized by its melodic complexity and accessibility, qualities that also resonate in his growing body of original compositions.

Born and raised in Stokke, Martin relocated to Stavanger after high school to pursue his studies, eventually settling in Oslo. During his master's program at the Norwegian Academy of Music, he launched two projects that led to his first and second albums. His debut album, Debut (2019), showcased a confident and intricate neo-bop quintet performing original works alongside standards. Just a year later, he released Origins (2020), an ambitious collection of original compositions performed by an eleven-piece ensemble.

Tributaries is released with Smeik on October 17th, but with the release of two singles in August and September. This is certainly something to look forward to!

Musicians:

Martin Nodeland – guitar and compositions
Will Vinson – alto saxophone
Martin Sandvik Gjerde – piano
Alexander Hoholm – bass
Raymond Lavik – drums
Erlend Vangen Kongtorp – tenor sax (tracks 1 and 5)