Sony Hall New York, NY
Web: kaizers.no
Contact: [email protected]
Players: Janove Ottesen, Geir Zahl, Terje Winterstø Rthing, Helge Risa, Rune Solheim, Øyvind Storesund
After a ten-year hiatus and a massive European tour, Norway’s Kaizers Orchestra returned to the USA. Kaizer Orchestra’s campy, eclectic stage presence complemented Sony Hall’s swanky, art-deco style. Alongside typical rock instruments, their arrangement included a rotary phone, megaphone, and, notably, large, brass oil drums. As the lights dimmed, a rapid, folksy track began, and Risa entered, marching with a briefcase and vintage gas mask.
From beginning to end, every member of Kaizers Orchestra committed to delivering an impeccable show. Each tracks’ emotions resonated clearly with the audience, even if they didn’t understand Norwegian. Influence came from two sources - one traditional rock, and the other inspired by Eastern European folk. For rock tracks like “Ompa til du dør,” “KGB,” and “Støv og sand,” Solheim and Storesund drove the rhythm from drums and upright bass. Alternating between rock and funk, the pair glued the group together during the controlled chaos. When they switched genres, Solheim and Storesund transitioned to polka rhythms and a giant bass drum for tracks like “Sigøynerblod.” Risa’s piano accompaniment added final touches, cementing each track as heavy or folk.For the majority, Ottesen sang, giving smooth vocal tone. However, in “Dr. Mowinckel,” Ottesen joined percussion and Zahl took over as vocal lead. Throughout, members highlighted their versatility. Everyone hit the oil drums or metal objects, and in “En for orgelet, en for meg,” Winterstø Røthing a small organ inside a briefcase.
Simply, Kaizer Orchestra puts on a show. From the start, the audience and band had a symbiotic relationship. Ottesen taught the audience call-and-response parts, including the non-Norwegians. Matching suits gave the group a sophisticated, jazz feel, but Risa’s gasmask added cheek, subverting the expectation. He included subtle antics, from pouring water and flowers in a hat to miming boredom, adding a layer of fun. The giant oil barrels were a focal point. If Kaizers Orchestra wasn’t standing on them, they were hitting them for added effect.
Kaizers Orchestra wrapped on this tour, but they recently re-released all of their albums. For 2025, they’ve hinted at new tracks, maybe a new album. Together, they put on a jaw-dropping show, so keep an eye out.
