RecentMusic - Mezzoforte New Releases

Mezzoforte

Mezzoforte is an instrumental jazz-funk fusion band that emerged from the serene landscapes of Iceland, a nation more renowned for its natural beauty than its funk prowess. The group's origins trace back to 1977 when four teenagers—Eythor Gunnarsson (keyboards), Johann Asmundsson (bass guitar), Gulli Briem (drums), and Fridrik Karlsson (guitar)—decided to fuse their prodigious musical talents. Naming themselves Mezzoforte, a direct nod to a musical dynamics term meaning 'moderately loud', they began carving out a niche within the jazz and funk music scenes of Europe.

The band achieved international recognition with their 1983 hit "Garden Party", which propelled them onto stages worldwide and etched their name into the annals of crossover jazz history. Over the years, they have established a reputation for blending smooth jazz sensibilities with a funky groove, amassing an extensive discography characterized by rhythmic sophistication and melodic inventiveness. Albums like "Observations" and "Forward Motion" showcase their ability to evolve with the times while retaining the essence of their unique sound. Live performances, such as those captured in "Live in Reykjavík", exude the band's signature energy and musicianship, endearing Mezzoforte to audiences over a career spanning multiple decades with no signs of slowing down.

Genres