Cimota (NO)
Espen Reinertsen – reeds
Eivind Lønning – trumpet
Håvard Wiik – piano
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – bass
Hans Hulbœkmo – drums
Atomic’s ability to renew itself seemed limitless thought their activity from 2001 – 2021, as though each step of its path has been as fresh as the one before it. With each new release they demonstrated their will to outdistance, outshine, outfox, outclass and outmaneuver their past work. After 20 years of existence the band said bye bye to their audiences around the world in 2021. Now they’re back as Cimota with a renewed crew and a fresh new album [ˈkɪmɔtɑː]. All signs point onwards and upwards.
Cimota [ˈkɪmɔtɑː] seeks a unique sound as an ensemble, where the focus is equally based on collective musicianship as on solo-driven performances. The music draws inspiration from the entire history of jazz, European and American free improvisation and new composed music from all corners of the world. All this is framed by compositions with occasionally complex forms, intricate themes, grooves and swing, but also not afraid to explore the quiet, with long sound-based parts. It all flows easily and frictionless from start to finish. This is jazz for our time, challenging and accessible, melodic and abstract, music that refuses to be ignored and demands that the listener give it their full attention.
“Every year, plenty of fantastic jazz albums are released in all shapes and forms, but few feel as important and as direct as [kimota] does at the outset of 2026.” – Ando Woltmann / Morgenbaldet
“On ‘Sunday Picnic,’ the five of them dance through free-spirited post-bop rhythms and sparkle in their solos.” – Chris Monsen / Klassekampen
“… [ˈkɪmɔtɑː] is packed with eventful, curious compositions — intricate and simmering beneath the surface — marked by a fascination with all the different ways one can write for a small quintet, split it apart and piece it back together, inspired by both oddball jazz and 100–150 years of composed music.” – Filip Roshauw / Now’s The Time
“Atomic has been a flagship of Nordic jazz for several decades. Now the band and the name have almost been turned upside down, yet it remains just as exciting.”- Tor Hammerø / Nettavisen
“Cimota does not play convoluted music, but neither do they compromise with what they want to express. This is evident from the start, where Håvard Wiik sets off straight into his own territory, with a piano run in which power, depth, and communicative ability operate on multiple levels and outline a sense of scale. Wiik belongs to the elite of pianists, and in “Spirit of ’76 (Scherzo)” he gives us further insight into what this is about. Our man plays beautifully without resorting to anything sentimental or romantic.” – Arild R. Andersen / Aftenposten
discography
