The Core was one of the most active Norwegian jazz bands between 2001-2012 with over 250 concerts in and outside the country. The band reunited in 2021 with new material and a renewed energy. 

The Core was formed in 2001 with all musicians meeting at the Jazz performance studies in Trondheim. They won the ExxonMobile Jazz Price at Molde International Jazz Festival in 2004, one of the first stipends for young jazz musicians awarded in Norway. 

In their early days, The Core's material was built on the heritage from Jan Garbarek's music from the early 70's, which was heavily influenced from John Coltrane's music from the 60's. This inspiration, along with the late 90's acoustic flow in jazz, formed the base for The Core's early repertoire. 

Original material has always been their base, and the bands expression has evolved along with the musicians new experiences. The new music is inspired by powerful modal jazz, but aspires for a more melodic and active interplay. 

The Core has since the start released 8 records, played all the big Norwegian jazz festivals and toured diligently in Norway and abroad.   

Kjetil Møster - saxophone
Erlend Slettevoll - piano 
Steinar Raknes - bass 
Espen Aalberg - drums