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Paid To Cry marks the release of a new large-scale collaboration between composer and saxophonist Nils Berg and the Norrbotten Big Band, following Berg’s role as Composer in Residence during 2024. Drawing on the figure of the hired mourner as a musical archetype, the music explores how composers, soloists, and ensembles can give voice to deep emotional expression through sound. Through expansive big band writing and intimate solo moments, the album invites the listener into a shared space of vulnerability and resonance. Release: 2026-03-27. Total time: 44 min. HOOBLP138
Nils Berg is one of the most influential voices in Nordic contemporary jazz, known for his genre-crossing work and deep roots in Scandinavian folk and pop traditions. His collaborations include Swedish Radio, Fatoumata Diawara, and the Cullberg Ballet. Norrbotten Big Band is widely regarded as one of Sweden’s leading big bands, internationally acclaimed for its versatility, bold collaborations, and exceptional musicianship.
