- This year's NTNU Ambassador title goes to a trio that plays fierce, energetic and rocked jazz in a refreshing, unorthodox lineup. This is how the jury describes this year's award winner.

Phønix, consisting of Emil Storløkken Åse, Jenny Frøysa and August Glännestrand, received the prestigious award at the Studentersamfundet in Trondheim on 20th of February. The award was made in connection with the program release for Jazzfest and Jazzmass, a new collaboration between the Student Society and Jazzfest.

Jury's reasoning

This is how the jury justifies their choice: This year's NTNU Ambassador goes to a trio that plays fierce, energetic and rocking jazz in a refreshing, unorthodox lineup. All three musicians are former jazz students from NTNU. Emil Storløkken Åse, Jenny Frøysa and August Glännestrand impress their audience with lots of energy, wonderful riffs and powerful interplay.

The composition is exciting, with baritone saxophone, guitar and drums, which helps to create an original sound. The associations are psychedelia, prog, pop and avant garde. Last year's album release, the double LP Intergalloptic Roundtrip, was well received by reviewers at home and abroad.

About NTNU Ambassador

NTNU Ambassador is a collaboration between NTNU and Trondheim Jazz Festival. Each year, an artist or band is appointed who can act as an ambassador for the university and the jazz community in Trondheim in an outstanding way. Particular emphasis is placed on the artist's activity level, musical CV, tour plans, artistic level, number of bands, and international activities. The ambassador(s) receive a scholarship of 50,000 NOK to be used for touring and/or promotion. Trondheim Jazz Festival administers the ambassador scheme in collaboration with NTNU. The ambassador is appointed by a jury where NTNU, Trondheim Jazz Festival and performing independent jazz musicians are represented.

Phønix is ​​winner no. 18th in a row of NTNU Ambassadors.